978-0205677207 Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven: Painting

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

• Encaustic

• Fresco

• Tempera

• Oil

• Watercolor

• Gouache

Works in Progress

Michelangelo’s Libyan Sybil

The Critical Process

Thinking about Painting: Fred Tomaselli’s Airborne Event

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

This Chapter Will:

• identify and distinguish between painting media

• discuss the expressive qualities of each painting medium

• illustrate the denotative and connotative aspects of painting

KEY TERMS

La Pittura solvent medium didactic

imitation/ mimesis ground tempera watercolor

denotative vehicle / support gesso gouache

73

MyArtsLab RESOURCES

Closer Look: Giotto’s Arena Chapel

Closer Look: Sandro Botticelli, Primavera

Closer Look: Robert Campin, Mèrode Altarpiece

Closer Look: Hannah Höch, Cut with the Kitchen Knife

Primary Source Document: Hannah Höch (1889–1978) – Artists on Art

Primary Source Document: Vasily Kandinsky (1866–1944) – Artists on Art

Studio Technique Video: Egg Tempera

LECTURE AND DISCUSSION TOPICS

1. Traditional and Nontraditional Painting Media

Provide an historical overview about the development of painting media—from the

ancient techniques of encaustic, oil, tempera, and fresco, to the more contemporary media

such as acrylic and computer-generated painting. Emphasize the importance of binder

and vehicle appropriate for each media.

2. Encaustic

Artists have practiced the technique of encaustic painting for over two thousand years. It

is the oldest painting technique still in use today. One of the earliest applications of

encaustic paints dates back to ancient Greece, where artists highlighted the features of

painting, as evidenced by the famous mummy portraits (fig.282) excavated in Egypt’s

Faiyûm District (near Cairo). Greek or Greek-trained Egyptian artists commonly painted

74

3. Fresco

Discuss the technique of fresco with the examples in the chapter, from Pompeii’s Still

Life with Eggs and Thrushes (fig. 283) to Diego Rivera’s public murals (fig. 698).

Include a discussion of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel (figs. 289) to emphasize the

3. Tempera and Oil (see the Studio Technique Video in MyArtsLab)

Compare the advantages of using one type of paint over another for visual effects. For

example, to achieve a jewel-like surface, the Master of Flemalle’s The Annunciation

(fig.’s 292-293) used oil and glazing to create a luminous surface quality. Have students

4. Watercolor and Gouache (see the Studio Technique Video in MyArtsLab)

Illustrate the characteristics of watercolor and gouache with the works of Winslow

Homer (fig. 300), Laurie Reid (fig. 301), and GJacob Lawrence (302). Stress the

5. Synthetic Media

Synthetic painting media was attractive to artists who desired a faster-drying paint. The

6. Mixed Media: Collage and Assemblage

Known for its spontaneity, Juan Gris’ The Table (fig.305) purposely contradicts the

tradition of painting by incorporating scraps of actual materials from real life into the

composition. The reasons that artists work in collage are many. However, one is that the

CRITICAL THINKING: More Opportunities to Think about Art

1. Works in Progress: Michelangelo’s Libyan Sybil

When Michelangelo returned to Rome in 1508, he was to paint the Twelve Apostles and

a few ornaments on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He, who had always insisted that

he was a sculptor, was to learn the art of fresco painting, and practice it on a vaulted

2. Works in Progress: Milton Resnick’s U + Me

Have students examine the life and work of Milton Resnick pertaining to the progression

of his painting U + Me from its early stage (fig. 297) to its final completion (fig.298).

3. Works in Progress: Hanna Höch’s Cut with the Kitchen Knife (see the Closer

Look in MyArtsLab)

Hannah Höch’s Cut with the Kitchen Knife (fig. 308) is featured in this chapter and

introduces the two-dimensional art form of collage. An important artist historically,

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

1. The History of The Great Wall

76

2. Michelangelo, The Painter

It is a commonly known fact that Michelangelo despised painting. In his letters and

poetry he expressed his disdain for the medium, yet he managed to paint one of the most

HANDS-ON PROJECTS

For additional project ideas, remember to investigate the Hands-On Projects found on

MyArtsLab

1. Watercolor Vacation

Using a vacation photo as inspiration, students will create a watercolor painting in the

manner of Winslow Homer.

Other Suggested Websites:

Everything Encaustic is provided at www.encaustic.com/