Glossary
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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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 you go out to paint try to forget what object you have before you … Read more
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In this post, I will 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 people could recognize Vincent van Gogh’s work without … Read more
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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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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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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
Read MoreRepresentational 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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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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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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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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