Painters instinctively avoid the lowest angles of raking light because they divided solid objects into two essentially equal parts: a face would be half in light and half in shadow, which tends to have a flattening effect. It is best used to create dramatic or moody images. Raking light gives volume to objects and accentuates texture. The term "raking light" may also be used to describe a strongly angled light represented in illusionist painting, although not strictly between 5º and 30º. In the case of wall paintings, raking light helps show preparatory techniques such as incisions in the plaster support. In some instances raking light may help reveal pentimenti or changes in an artist's intention. Under raking light, tool marks, paint handling, canvas weave, surface imperfections and restorations can be visualized better than with light coming from different angles. Raking light is the illumination of objects from a light source at a strongly oblique angle almost parallel to the object's surface (between 5º and 30º with respect to the examined surface). While not written as a "how-to" manual, realist painters will find a true treasure trove of technical information that can be adapted to almost any style of figurative painting. Each of the book's 24 topics is accompanied by abundant color illustrations and diagrams.īy observing at close quarters the studio practices of Vermeer and his preeminent contemporaries, the reader will acquire a concrete understanding of 17th-century painting methods and materials and gain a fresh view of Vermeer's 35 works of art, which reveal a seamless unity of craft and poetry. Also investigated are a number of key issues related specifically to Vermeer's studio methods, such as the camera obscura, studio organization as well as how he depicted wall-maps, floor tiles, pictures-within-pictures, carpets and other of his most defining motifs.
PAINTBRUSH DISPLAY CROSSWORD PROFESSIONAL
Looking Over Vermeer's Shoulder is a comprehensive study of the materials and painting techniques that made Vermeer one of the greatest masters of European art.īolstered by the author's qualifications as a professional painter and a Vermeer connoisseur, every facet of 17th-century and Vermeer's painting practices-including canvas preparation, underdrawing, underpainting, glazing, palette, brushes, pigments and composition-is laid out in clear, comprehensible language.
0 kommentar(er)
