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What is Chiaroscuro?
The technique focuses on shadows and a single source of light to achieve photorealistic depth and tone.
A Greek painter known as Apollodorus Skiagraphos drew hatched shadows to suggest three-dimensional depth.
Caravaggio, “Still Life with Fruit,” c. 1603 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
During the 15th and 16th centuries,Renaissance mastersbegan to try and improve on earlier shading techniques.
One artist to adopt the chiaroscuro style wasLeonardo da Vinci.
To finish, da Vinci often added highlights with white gouache or chalk.
Leonardo da Vinci, “Virgin and Child with St Anne and John the Baptist,” between 1499 and 1500 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Perhaps the best-known chiaroscuro artist is 17th-century Italian painterMichelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
He often blacked out large portions of the background of his scenes and brightly illuminated the foreground subjects.
What is the Difference Between Chiaroscuro and Tenebrism?
Caravaggio, “Portrait of Fra Antonio Martelli,” c. 1608 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
However, all it takes is the right supplies, good lighting, and plenty of practice.
Check out our guide to thebest oil paints for beginners and professionals.
Youll also need:
Steps for Working With Chiaroscuro
1.
Artemesia Gentileschi, “Judith Slaying Holofernes,” c. 1612–1613 (Photo: National Museum of Capodimonte viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Pick a Subject
Traditionally, the chiaroscuro style is well suited tostill life paintingsand portrait art.
Paint the inside of the box black and cut a small hole into one side.
Try raising the contrast in the image to better see the shadows and highlights.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Andrew Stripes/Shutterstock
Ready to start painting?
Check out this useful tutorial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chiaroscuro?
Chiaroscuro is a method that uses shadows and a single light source to create depth and drama in art.
What does chiaroscuro mean?
What is the difference between chiaroscuro and tenebrism?
Chiaroscuro and tenebrism are similar methods of adding drama to art using light and shadow.
