hw #2

chiaroscuro-technique using severe values of light and dark in a composition

tenebrism-developed by caravaggio, this technique involoves very gradual transitions of light and dark values

impasto-technique involoving the use of thick coats of paint


cotton canvas-opposed to the more traditional and sturdy linen canvas, this is a cheaper alternative

masonite-a board made from steam-cooked and pressure molded wood fibers. needs a ground to be placed upon it for oils

wood- can be a single panel or pieces put together. like masonite, should have ground but is not as essential


acrylic gesso-binder mixed with chalk, gypsum, or pigment to create a more secure surface for the paint (can be used on a variety of surfaces)

italian/traditional gesso-animal glue binder mixed with chalk and white pigment to a rigid surface (board)

bitumen-used by painters in days of yore, is liquid asphalt (asphalt is a very viscous liquid and can also be used to darken tones such as in the work of delacroix)



brush-most commonly used tool for applying oil paint. more expensive brushes are made from hairs of various animals

rag-can be used to erase with the use of solvent and to perform textures that brushes cannot achieve

palette-tradionally made from wood and in an oval shape. is surface used to mix paint before it is applied to the painting