Oil Painting glaze; impasto; open brushwork Can you tell the difference? Can you comment on the effect each technique creates?
an example of glazing By applying thin layers of oil paint, van der Weyden is able to create a translucent veil that covers the young women’s forehead. Light that strikes a surface built up of glazes penetrates to the lower layers and is reflected back, creating a glow of light that seems to emerge from within. In this case, the reflected light mimics the effect of blood coursing below the surface of the skin. Portrait of a Lady Roger van der Weyden 1460 oil and tempera on wood panel
an example of impasto By applying thick daubs of paint, van Gogh has created three-dimensional shapes that articulate the white blossoms of the almond tree. The blossoms actually “catch” the light, so that the light falls across each blossom creating actual highlights and shadows. Blossoming Almond Branches Vincent van Gogh Saint-Rémy, February 1890 oil on canvas
an example of open or loose brush work See the next slide. Portrait of a Woman Frans Hals 1655-1660 oil on canvas
an example of open or loose brush work Hals has loaded his brush and then used it to energetically and confidently paint this portrait. When we look at the detail of this portrait, we can see the evidence of his hand—of his brush work. Look at how he has used almost jagged slashes of white paint to construct the crisp collar of her dress; read the movement of his hand and arm as he “drew” the curve of her white head covering; note the carefully placed yet quickly rendered highlights that shape the curves of her face. Hals inspired later abstract painters. deatil: Portrait of a Woman Frans Hals 1655-1660 oil on canvas