There’s something about painterly realism that sparks the viewer’s desire. When we see renderings of sweets that look lifelike enough to eat them, we get a sugar craving. And, as book lovers, when we encounter enticingly real-looking paintings of stacked book spines, like Canadian artist Paul Béliveau’s, it’s impossible not to imagine paging through these lovely tomes. Click through to see a selection of works from his Les humanités series, which we discovered via Faith is Torment, and visit Béliveau’s website for more.
Paul Béliveau, Vanitas 12.02.03, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 121 x 121 cm
Paul Béliveau, Vanitas 11.08.18, 2011, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 122 cm
Paul Béliveau, Vanitas 10.04.19, 2010, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 122 cm
Paul Béliveau, Les rencontres : Krazy !, 2010, acrylic on canvas, 102 x 152 cm
Paul Béliveau, Les rencontres CVI, 2009, acrylic on canvas, 183 x 244 cm
Paul Béliveau, Vanitas 12.02.03, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 121 x 121 cm
Paul Béliveau, Vanitas 10.09.15, 2010, acrylic on canvas, 213 x 213 cm
Paul Béliveau, Les rencontres CXXXIV, 2009, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 183 cm
Paul Béliveau, Vanitas 10.05.20, 2010, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 183 cm
Paul Béliveau, Vanitas 12.04.11, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 91 x 91 cm