fdeasis fine arts studio - TECHNIQUES

ANCIENT ART TECHNIQUES


SGRAFFITO is the technique of scratching an image through a colored slip to reveal the body beneath. It was well known in Italy in the 15th century and reached a zenith of perfection at the potteries of Beauvais in France. A similar technique was used by the Chinese on their pottery painting around 200 B.C to 200 A.D.

ENCAUSTIC is a process of applying molten wax colors to a surface for the creation of images and decorations. The use of a rudimentary encaustic was therefore an ancient practice by the 5th century B.C. It is possible that at about that time the crude paint applied with tar brushes to the ships was refined for the art of painting on panels. Greek artists practiced encaustic painting as far back as the 5th century B.C. Most of our knowledge of this early use comes from the Roman historian Pliny, who wrote in the 1st century A.D.

LAYERING is building up repeated layers of paint, often as glazes over thin layers of opaque oil paint. Oil dried more slowly and evenly than tempera, allowing the artist the time to correct or extend his work. In fifteenth century, Flemish painters like Broederlam and van Eyck produced exquisite works using layering technique.