GLAZING - Old Masters Secrets and Modern Techniques - Oil Painting Tutorial
TLDRThe video tutorial delves into the glazing technique in oil painting, a method used since the inception of oil painting by masters like Van Eyck and Da Vinci. Glazing involves applying thin, transparent layers of paint to enhance color intensity and depth, thus economizing on expensive pigments historically. The presenter explains the difference between direct mixing of colors and glazing, the latter allowing for a subtractive blend effect. The video also discusses the shift away from glazing with the advent of modern chemistry and cheaper pigments, the use of glazes for highlighting subjects, and how they can alter perceived depth. Techniques for applying glazes, including flat glazes for color modification and transitional glazes for smooth color gradation, are described. The artist also touches on hybrid glazing methods, combining acrylic underpainting with oil glazes, and offers tips on application and the use of semi-opaque pigments for a velatura effect, similar to Leonardo da Vinci's sfumato. The video concludes with a nod to Patreon supporters and an invitation to explore further through linked courses.
Takeaways
- 🎨 Glazing is a technique that involves applying a thin, transparent layer of paint over a surface to intensify colors and is a valuable addition to an artist's skill set.
- ✍️ Glazing has historical roots, dating back to the invention of oil painting and was heavily utilized by artists like Van Eyck and Da Vinci for economic reasons and to achieve realistic scenes.
- 💰 The cost of pigments influenced the development of glazing, as expensive colors like ultramarine blue were used sparingly over larger areas of less expensive pigments.
- 🔍 Glazing creates a unique visual depth, making colors appear more intense, and is best suited for highlighting subjects rather than backgrounds or distant objects.
- 📚 Understanding the theory of color filters helps in predicting how a glaze will interact with the underlying colors, although the final result can be complex and subtle.
- 🧪 Testing glaze effects on small canvas scraps or using a glass overlay is recommended to avoid irreversible mistakes and to find the right glaze for the desired effect.
- 🖌️ Two main types of glazes are identified: flat glazes for significant color modification and transitional glazes for smooth color blending, akin to Leonardo Da Vinci's sfumato technique.
- 🧴 A special glazing medium isn't necessary; artists can use their regular medium, but for a shiny surface, a mixture of Venice turpentine, linseed stand oil, dammar varnish, and turpentine can be used.
- 📜 Glazing is traditionally an oil painting technique but can be a hybrid method, with acrylic undercoats followed by oil glazes, to save on expensive oil paints and achieve a glossy finish.
- 🔄 The order of layering in glazing matters; the appearance changes based on the pigments used and their transparency, with semi-opaque or opaque pigments creating a 'velatura' effect.
- 🌟 Glazing is a method that makes colors stand out and is covered in depth in the artist's courses, which include demonstrations in various painting situations like portraits, still life, and landscapes.
Q & A
What is the glazing technique in oil painting?
-Glazing is a technique that involves applying a thin layer of transparent paint over a surface to intensify colors. It allows for the creation of rich, intense colors and is achieved by applying paint in layers, wet on dry.
Why was glazing important during the early days of oil painting?
-Glazing was important because pigments were extremely expensive. By using glazes, artists could conserve the use of expensive pigments and create the desired colors with less of them, thus reducing costs.
How did the invention of modern chemistry in the 19th century affect the use of glazing?
-The invention of modern chemistry led to the production of cheaper alternatives to natural pigments. As a result, glazing became less relevant for painters, who began to favor direct mixing and alla prima techniques.
What are the differences between flat glazes and transitional glazes?
-Flat glazes are used to modify the color of a large area significantly, such as changing a yellow dress to green. Transitional glazes, similar to sfumato, are used to smooth transitions and blend colors, typically with less chromatic transparent pigments.
How can acrylic paints be used in conjunction with oil glazing?
-Acrylic paints can be used for the underpainting layer, which can then be glazed over with oil. This hybrid technique allows artists to save on more expensive oil paints while still achieving the depth and shine associated with oil glazing.
What is the 'velatura' technique?
-Velatura is a technique similar to glazing but uses semi-opaque or opaque pigments instead of transparent ones. It's used for modifying shadows in portraits or creating smooth transitions between lights and shadows, akin to sfumato.
How does the order of layering affect the final appearance of a glaze?
-The order of layering is crucial in glazing as it is not interchangeable. The appearance of a glaze depends on the underlying colors and the transparency of the pigments used, meaning that yellow glazed over blue will look different from blue glazed over yellow.
Why is it recommended to avoid using glazes for distant objects and backgrounds?
-Glazes have a depth that makes colors appear more intense and closer than regular paint. Using them for distant objects or backgrounds can create an unrealistic visual impression, making those elements appear closer than they should be.
What is the role of glazing in creating a unique visual impression?
-Glazing creates a unique visual impression by allowing light to pass through both layers of paint, resulting in a subtractive blend that enhances the intensity of colors. This depth can make the colors feel more vibrant and the objects appear closer.
How can one predict the result of a glaze?
-Predicting the result of a glaze is challenging due to the many variables between pigments. The best approach is to conduct small tests on canvas scraps or on areas of the painting that can be easily corrected. Using a piece of glass to preview the glaze effect is another helpful trick.
What are some tips for removing a glaze if the color is not as desired?
-To remove a glaze, apply it to a discreet area first and observe the result. If the color is not desired, use a clean, lint-free cloth to absorb the paint. While traces may remain, they can be covered once the correct glaze is found or retouched with normal opaque paint.
What is the significance of glazing in historical art, as seen with artists like Van Eyck and Da Vinci?
-Glazing was a significant technique for historical artists like Van Eyck and Da Vinci because it allowed them to achieve rich, vibrant colors with a minimal use of expensive pigments. It was an essential part of their process and contributed to the realism and depth in their paintings.
Outlines
🎨 Introduction to Glazing Technique
This paragraph introduces the glazing technique, which involves applying a thin layer of transparent paint over a surface to create intense and eye-catching colors. It discusses the historical significance of glazing in oil painting, its economic benefits during the Renaissance due to the high cost of pigments, and the shift away from glazing with the advent of modern chemistry and cheaper pigments. The paragraph also mentions the difference between direct mixing and glazing, and how the latter allows for a more economical use of expensive pigments.
🖼️ Glazing in Art History and Modern Practice
The second paragraph delves into the historical use of glazing by renowned artists like Van Eyck, Da Vinci, and Titian, and explains how the technique allowed for the creation of realistic scenes with vibrant colors despite the high cost of pigments. It also contrasts the glazing process with the alla prima approach, which was favored by later artists like Monet and Van Gogh. The paragraph further explores the technical aspects of glazing, including the use of transparent and semi-transparent paints, and the visual effects achieved through glazing, such as depth and intensity of color.
📚 Understanding Glaze Application and Color Theory
This paragraph provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply glazes, including tips on testing glazes on discreet areas and using a piece of glass to preview the effect. It differentiates between flat glazes, which are used to modify colors over a large area, and transitional glazes, which are similar to Leonardo Da Vinci's sfumato technique for smooth color transitions. The paragraph also discusses hybrid glazing techniques that combine oil and acrylic paints, and the importance of using the correct type of paint for glazing.
🛠️ Techniques and Materials for Glazing
The final paragraph focuses on the application techniques for glazing, emphasizing that a special glazing medium is not necessary and suggesting the use of a regular medium. It also touches on the concept of 'velatura', a technique similar to glazing but with semi-opaque or opaque pigments, which is useful for modifying shadows and creating smooth transitions. The paragraph concludes with a thank you note to Patreon members and an invitation to join the community and access further learning resources on oil painting and color theory.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Glazing
💡Direct Mixing
💡Grisaille
💡Sfumato
💡Synthetic Pigments
💡Alla Prima
💡Opaque Pigment
💡Transparent Pigment
💡Velatura
💡Hybrid Glazing
💡Application Technique
Highlights
Glazing is a technique that enhances the intensity and eye-catching quality of colors by applying a thin layer of transparent paint over the surface.
Glazing allows for the creation of new colors through layering rather than direct mixing.
The glazing technique has a long history, dating back to the invention of oil painting and used by masters like Van Eyck and Da Vinci.
The cost of pigments influenced the development of glazing, as it allowed artists to use expensive colors more sparingly.
Glazing became less relevant with the advent of modern chemistry and cheaper pigment alternatives in the 19th century.
The alla prima approach, favored by Impressionists, contrasts with the indirect and structural nature of glazing.
Glazing creates a unique visual depth, making colors appear more intense without being as forward as regular paint.
Transparent and semi-transparent paints are essential for achieving the glazing effect.
Glazing can alter the appearance of objects based on the color of the underlying layer, similar to colored filters.
The order of layering in glazing is crucial as it affects the final color outcome.
Small tests are recommended for predicting glaze results due to the complexity of pigment interactions.
Glazes can be removed or adjusted with specific techniques if the desired effect is not achieved.
Two main types of glazes are identified: flat glazes for color modification and transitional glazes for smooth color transitions.
Hybrid glazing techniques combine oil paints with other mediums like acrylics or egg tempera for varied effects.
A special glazing medium is not necessary; artists can use their regular medium for glazing.
Semi-opaque pigments can be used for a 'velatura' effect, similar to glazing but with less intensity.
Glazing is a valuable technique for enhancing color vibrancy and depth in oil paintings.
The video provides in-depth coverage and demonstrations of glazing in various painting contexts.