Old Master Painting Techniques: Everything You Need to Know About Their Revolutionary Methods
âđ» Author: Genevieve Munch
Brief definition of the term “Old Masters”
The term “Old Masters” generally refers to highly skilled painters who worked in Europe before the 18th century. Theoretically, it means they were Masters of their respective artists’ guilds, but the term now has a broader connotation. For instance, a pupil of a true Old Master might also be considered an Old Master. The date of a work’s creation, rather than its quality, is often used as a criterion for defining an “Old Master” painting.
The significance of Old Master painting techniques in art history
The term “Old Masters” generally refers to highly skilled painters who worked in Europe before the 18th century. Theoretically, it means they were Masters of their respective artists’ guilds, but the term now has a broader connotation. For instance, a pupil of a true Old Master might also be considered an Old Master. The date of a work’s creation, rather than its quality, is often used as a criterion for defining an “Old Master” painting.
1 – Fresco Technique: Exploring the Art of Old Masters
In-depth description of “buon fresco” and “fresco secco” variations
The “buon fresco” technique involves applying water-based pigments onto a layer of wet plaster, allowing the paint to chemically bond with the plaster as it dries. This results in a durable and long-lasting artwork. However, this technique requires considerable skill and speed, as the artist must complete the painting before the plaster dries.
The “fresco secco” variation differs from “buon fresco” in that pigments are applied onto a layer of dry plaster. This technique allows for greater detail and corrections, but the resulting artwork is less durable over time. Often, both methods were combined in the same artwork to take advantage of the benefits of each technique.
Iconic examples of works created using fresco technique (Sistine Chapel, The School of Athens)
Preparing surfaces for frescoes is a crucial process affecting the quality and longevity of the artwork. Typically, the wall was first prepared with a layer of rough plaster, called arriccio. The Master’s assistants would then draw the composition onto the sinopia, a preparatory drawing traced directly onto the arriccio. Finally, a thin layer of fine plaster was applied over the sinopia, and the artist quickly painted the image using water-based pigments.
The process of preparing surfaces for frescoes
Preparing surfaces for frescoes is a crucial process affecting the quality and longevity of the artwork. Typically, the wall was first prepared with a layer of rough plaster, called arriccio. The Master’s assistants would then draw the composition onto the sinopia, a preparatory drawing traced directly onto the arriccio. Finally, a thin layer of fine plaster was applied over the sinopia, and the artist quickly painted the image using water-based pigments.
The role of fresco in the deterioration of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci used an experimental technique for the Last Supper, combining oil and tempera on a thin layer of smooth plaster. However, this choice proved disastrous, as the composition began to deteriorate just a few decades after the artwork’s completion. Restoration attempts over the centuries have helped preserve the image, but the original artwork has lost much of its original splendor and detail.
The Last Supper’s deterioration highlights the importance of using suitable techniques in creating artwork, particularly when it comes to frescoes. Studying the painting techniques of Old Masters and understanding their significance can offer valuable lessons for contemporary painters and art restorers, allowing them to create more enduring and time-resistant artworks.
The Last Supper’s – Leonardo Da Vinci
2 – Tempera Technique in Old Master Painting Techniques
Description of the tempera paint creation process in Old Master painting techniques
Tempera is a painting technique, prominent among Old Master painting techniques, that uses powdered pigments bound with egg yolk, a small amount of water, and sometimes a bit of glue. The process of creating tempera paint requires patience and precision. Initially, the powdered pigments are mixed with egg yolk to form a dense and homogeneous paste.
Subsequently, a little water is added to achieve the desired consistency. Tempera dries quickly and forms a resistant and opaque surface. To achieve transparency effects or gradual shading, artists had to apply several thin layers of color, carefully overlapping brushstrokes.
Description of the tempera paint creation process in Old Master painting techniques
Tempera was a widespread technique among 14th and 15th-century Italian Old Masters, such as Giotto, Duccio di Buoninsegna, and Fra Angelico. During this period, tempera was mainly used for creating panel paintings, often with gold backgrounds that enhanced the brightness of the colors. Tempera provided greater control of details compared to frescoes and allowed for the creation of visually impactful works, thanks to the brilliance and saturation of the colors.
Example of a work created with tempera in Old Master painting techniques (Raising of Lazarus by Duccio di Buoninsegna)
“Raising of Lazarus” (1310-1311) by Duccio di Buoninsegna is an emblematic example of the use of tempera in Old Master painting techniques during the Italian Gothic period. The work, part of a larger complex of painted panels called “MaestĂ ,” stands out for its fine lines, attention to detail, and emotional intensity of the portrayed figures. Duccio uses tempera to create a wide range of shades and to emphasize the three-dimensionality of the forms.
The Raising of Lazarus is an example of how tempera contributed to shaping the style and aesthetics of Italian painting and Old Master painting techniques between the 14th and 15th centuries.
3 – Oil Painting Techniques Used by Old Masters
Source Video: Andrew Tischler
The enduring appeal and adaptability of oil painting
Oil painting has long been a favored Old Master painting technique, owing to its versatility and the unique qualities it imparts to artworks. The slow drying process of oil paint grants artists the flexibility to rework and perfect their pieces over time. This technique can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including canvas, linen, and wood panels, making it an adaptable choice for artists throughout history.
Delving into specific oil painting methods used by Old Masters
A variety of specialized techniques have been employed by Old Masters in their oil paintings. Alla-prima, or “wet-on-wet,” involves applying fresh paint to layers of still-wet paint, allowing for a smooth blending of colors. Impasto is the technique of using thick layers of paint to create a dramatic texture and depth on the canvas. Underpainting, a crucial step in many Old Master oil paintings, involves sketching a monochromatic outline of the composition before adding the final colors. These techniques, mastered by skilled artists, contributed to the richness and complexity of oil paintings.
The mastery of oil painting technique in Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci stands as a testament to the power and finesse of oil painting, an Old Master painting technique. The captivating expression, posture, and softly blurred background are all made possible by the masterful application of oil paint. The subtle gradients and smooth transitions between colors lend the painting a lifelike quality that continues to captivate viewers.
Sfumato’s role in shaping the enigmatic expression of the Mona Lisa
Sfumato, a unique oil painting technique, emphasizes gentle, blurred transitions between colors to create a hazy or out-of-focus effect. Leonardo da Vinci was a pioneer of sfumato, employing it to remarkable effect in the Mona Lisa. This technique lends the subject’s expression an enigmatic quality and imbues the painting with a sense of depth and realism. By harnessing the full potential of oil paint and the sfumato technique, da Vinci produced an artwork that has stood the test of time and remains a cornerstone of art history.
Caravaggio Technique Tutorial – St. John the Baptist
Visit the YouTube Channel Old Master Paintings
Why Are We Talking About Old Master Painting Techniques?
Simply put, because these techniques transformed the history of art and are still used today. Prior to the Renaissance, human figures weren’t typically depicted realisticallyâwith the invention of oil paint and other techniques, artists could achieve much larger and illusionist compositions that we still admire today.
Just a note…would you like to learn to paint like Monet? Then read the article “How to paint like Monet“….
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