I've prepped the canvas for another piece to add to my inventory for the potential upcoming exhibit, but as it dries, I'm returning to my Styles of Art History project, in which I chronologically draw from the lessons of the past Master Painters, by copying distinctive historical styles., just as the Master did as they learned. With the exception of my Byzantine mosaic (still in progress), I've worked my way up to the Early Christian Art era (1400-1550) stained glass paintings.
So Whats' on My Easel ?
I'm copying St Sebastian, c.1510, stained glass, South nave window at St Lawrence's church, Lighthorne, Warwickshire, England.
So Whats' on My Easel ?
I'm copying St Sebastian, c.1510, stained glass, South nave window at St Lawrence's church, Lighthorne, Warwickshire, England.
Compared to previous era's, the key change I see in the Early Christian Era, is the obvious, a switch from general life and battle narratives, to religious figures and stories - a move by Artists to paint what the patron wanted, and, of course, the church had all the money. The window also demonstrates that Artists had become better at depicting form. So the lesson I hope to take from this piece should help improve my ability to create a less flat figure.
The Paleolithic, Ancient Egyptian, Ancient Greek/Corinthian, and Middle Ages all had lessons of their own, but they remained flat. The Early Christian Art began to have shading/curves in the face and body, and shadows/depth in the setting , and figures were no longer locked into being profile or sideways. For instance, in the window I am copying, St. Sebastian faces the viewer, and although foreshadowing was many years away, one of his feet faces the viewer too. I've very excited to try my hand at creating form through this beautiful window and tragic Saint. :^)