Glossary

Primary Colors in Art (1)

Primary Colors in Art – What They Are and How to Use Them Effectively

By Dan Scott / September 27, 2022 / 28 Comments

Let’s discuss the primary colors as they relate to art, or more specifically, painting. These are the first colors you’ll learn about in art. Even my 1-year-old daughter, Elora, has been introduced to the primary colors through her children’s shows and at daycare. Perhaps it’s because we’re introduced to the primary colors so early in … Read more

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Kazimir-Malevich-Boy-1928-1932

Art Movement Timeline

By Dan Scott / July 16, 2022 / Comments Off on Art Movement Timeline

Let’s explore some of the most significant modern art movements and their key characteristics. 1872 – 1892 Impressionism Masters of color and light. Marked a radical departure from the realistic academic painting that had dominated the eras prior. Key artists: Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Mary Cassatt. Learn more about Impressionism… “When … Read more

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Pierre Auguste Renoir, Lunch at the Restaurant Fournaise (The Rower’s Lunch), 1875

Art Styles

By Dan Scott / April 8, 2022 / Comments Off on Art Styles

Let’s go over some of the different art styles you can use. I’ll cover: What Does Art Style Mean? Style in art refers to an artist’s unique combination of techniques, processes, and decisions. It develops and evolves over the lifetime of an artist. A distinct style can help with an artist’s branding and recognition. Many … Read more

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Peter Paul Rubens, Old Woman and Boy with Candles, 1616 - 1617

Luminosity in Art

By Dan Scott / March 19, 2022 / Comments Off on Luminosity in Art

The definition of luminosity is something full of light, bright, or shining. In art, it refers to the illusion of light from within the painting. The use of light in a painting can effectively organize a scene and define detail. It can also help create emotion and convey a story. To achieve effective luminosity, light … Read more

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Raphael, The School of Athens, c. 1509-11

Fresco

By Dan Scott / February 4, 2020 / 2 Comments

Fresco is a form of mural painting used to produce grand and often beautiful works on plaster. One of the most famous examples is the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo.  The word “fresco” means “fresh” in Italian, referring to the damp lime plaster which frescos are typically painted on. Unlike conventional paint over dry plaster, … Read more

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Leonardo da Vinci, Écorché Drawing

Écorché

By Dan Scott / December 17, 2019 / 0 Comments

Écorché (which means “flayed” in French) refers to anatomical studies of human or animal forms without skin, having the underlying muscles and tissues exposed. The term is not specific to any medium-it could refer to a drawing, painting, sculpture, or digital work. Artists use écorché to gain a better understanding of what happens underneath the … Read more

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Representational Art

By Dan Scott / August 26, 2019 / 1 Comment

Representational art refers to art that represents something, whether that be a tree in a landscape, apple in a still life, or figure in a portrait. Or in other words, it is art that is clearly identifiable as something which already exists in life. Below are some examples of representational art, starting with a watercolor by … Read more

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Juan Sánchez Cotán, Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber, 1602

Raking Light

By Dan Scott / August 26, 2019 / 0 Comments

Raking light refers to a light source which is set at an acute or nearly parallel angle to objects in a painting. Objects being hit by raking light will be half in light and half in shadow and will have long cast shadows. Surrealist artists like Salvador Dali and Giorgio de Chirico used raking light … Read more

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Frederick McCubbin, The Pioneer, 1904

Triptych Art

By Dan Scott / August 1, 2019 / 2 Comments

Triptych refers to art that is made up of three panels. The term originates from the Greek word ‘triptykhos’, meaning ‘three-layered’ or ‘three folds’.  The panels that form a triptych are often attached to one another with hinges, allowing the two outer panels (or wings) to fold inward and cover the central panel. However, contemporary triptychs … Read more

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Ilya Repin, Alley in the Park, Kachanivka, 1880

Dappled Light

By Dan Scott / July 19, 2019 / 37 Comments

Dappled light refers to that spotted light that typically comes through gaps in a tree canopy. Below is a great example by Claude Monet-notice the spots of light orange amongst the dark purple shadows. In this post, I cover: The shapes created by the dappled light vary based on: The position of the sun; The … Read more

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