Behind the Technique -

Archive by category "Behind the Technique"

Rococo Techniques for Painting and Drawing

In this article, I explore the techniques of the Rococo painters by examining the stylistic choices in their idyllic works. Through the patronage of the French aristocracy, artists like Watteau, Boucher, Fragonard, and Vigée le Brun formed the flamboyant imagery that we know Rococo for today. Then I demonstrate how to create your own Rococo works in painting and drawing media. Articles in the Techniques Series define the meaning and context of art making processes and give practical tutorials on how to work with them. Rococo Techniques for Painting and Drawing Definition: Rococo describes the opulent ornamental style of late Baroque art and architecture popularised by the French aristocracy. The word originates from the French for rock or broken shell – ‘rocaille’, referring to artificial shell-covered grottos. In fine art, it appears as a distinctive collection of overwhelmingly sweet aesthetic choices – from pastel blues and pinks to floral flourishes, theatrical costuming, powdery skin, and flirtatious gatherings. What is the Effect of Rococo? Rococo didn’t just populate the paintings of its time, but flooded whole rooms, furnishings, and ceilings with swirling patterning. It’s a movement of loud luxury, communicating the wealth and status of those with the …

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Sponging Techniques for Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking

Using sponges for painting may initially bring back memories of using poster paint in primary school, but they’re also a valuable tool for artists working in painting, drawing, and printmaking. In this article, I explore the sponging technique by looking at examples from antiquity to Dutch botanical painting, as well as Degas’ prints. Articles in the Techniques Series define the meaning and context of art making processes and give practical tutorials on how to work with them. Sponging Techniques for Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking Definition: Sponging is the application of paint or ink to a surface using a sponge. This could be a natural sea sponge or a manufactured one. What is the Effect of Sponging? Sponging adds texture to paintings by printing the impression of the sponge onto the surface. Sea sponges generally have defined holes which will appear when dabbed onto a painting. Whereas manufactured sponges have tiny holes which make the sponged mark appear more unified. The artist may manipulate a sponge by cutting it into a particular shape for their purposes, or compress or twist it in their grip to make a specific printed mark. Sponges may also be swiped …

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Resist Techniques for Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking

In this article, I describe the resist technique by referring to historic examples, from dyed fabrics to etchings, and Henry Moore’s drawings. Then I demonstrate how you can apply the resist technique to a host of mediums, such as acrylic, oil paint, and mixed media for drawings. Articles in the Techniques Series define the meaning and context of art making processes and give practical tutorials on how to work with them. Resist Techniques for Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking Definition: The resist technique refers to media or materials that have been used to block out or reject the subsequent layers that are applied to an artwork, to retain the quality of the ‘resisted’ area. For example, an oil pastel drawing will reject a layer of ink applied on top of it, adhering to the surrounding areas of paper, and tape applied over a dry area of oil painting will resist the next layer, so the original one can be revealed again later. What is the Effect of the Resist Technique? The resist technique has a different visual effect depending on the medium or combination of mediums it’s used with. In general, it indicates that the artist is a …

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