Summary:
The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of background color in the creation of oil painting landscapes and its influence on artistic expression. This paper first reviews the historical evolution and traditional practice of background color techniques, and then analyzes the innovative application of background color in contemporary oil painting landscapes, including the innovations in color matching, texture construction and emotional expression. It reveals how the background color becomes the carrier of the artist's emotions and creativity, and then expands the visual language and aesthetic dimension of the oil painting landscape.
I. Introduction
Since its birth, the art of oil painting has been accompanied by the continuous evolution of background color technology. Traditionally, the base color serves as the basis of an oil painting, providing not only physical protection for the canvas, but also setting the tone for subsequent layers of color. The base color of early oil paintings was mostly made of lead white or plaster mixed with gelatin, aiming to provide a uniform and moderately oil-absorbing painting surface. With the passage of time, artists began to realize that the background color plays a non-negligible role in shaping the tone and atmosphere of the whole picture, and this realization has promoted the diversified development of background color technology.
17th-century Dutch painters often used warm undertones to enhance the warmth of their paintings, while 19th-century Impressionists tended to use white or gray backgrounds to capture subtle changes in natural light. In the 20th century, with the rise of modernism, the base color was no longer limited to traditional materials and tones, and artists began to experiment with various non-traditional materials and colors, and the base color itself became a part of the expression.
2. The Tradition and Evolution of Oil Painting Background Colors
A. The function and production process of traditional base colors
The traditional process of making oil paints is rooted in a deep history, and at its core, it is to provide the canvas with a strong, smooth base that is suitable for pigment adherence. Traditional base colors are usually made up of multiple layers, starting with a base layer of rabbit skin glue or bone glue mixed with gypsum powder to seal and protect the canvas, followed by one or several layers of coating called "base layers", often lead and white mixed gum, sometimes with the right amount of red clay or loess to adjust the warm or cold tendencies of the base color.
This process not only ensures the longevity of the picture, but also sets the emotional tone of the work through different undertones. The subtle change of the background color directly affects the brightness and saturation of the upper color, and then affects the audience's visual perception and emotional experience.
B. Context of technological development
With the change of art genres and the progress of technology, the background color technique has gradually been liberated from a single auxiliary function and has become a key element of artistic expression. During the Renaissance, artists began to pay attention to the transparency and luster of the background color, bringing richer spatial layers and light and shadow effects to the picture. By the time of the Baroque and Rococo eras, the color of the base color was richer to suit the needs of complex pictures.
The rise of Impressionism in the 19th century drove the use of white and gray undertones to capture the transience of outdoor light. In modernism, undertones were given more symbolic meaning and psychological implications, such as expressionism, which used strongly contrasting undertones to enhance emotional expression, and surrealism, which created dream-like visual effects through unconventional undertones, thus becoming an active part of the artistic language.
C. Drivers of change
The progress of science and technology and the development of materials science are the main driving forces for the transformation of background color techniques. Advances in the chemical industry have led to the emergence of new synthetic resins and acrylic-based primers that not only improve the stability of the base layer, but also provide a wider range of color options and faster drying speeds, giving artists greater creative freedom.
At the same time, the increased environmental awareness has led to the rediscovery and use of natural organic materials, such as vegetable gums and mineral pigments, which not only enrich the texture and transparency of the base color, but also reflect the pursuit of sustainable development. In addition, the application of digital technologies, such as color management software and 3D printing technology, allows artists to more precisely control the color and texture of the undertone, further expanding the boundaries of undercolor techniques.
D. A new perspective on modern undertones
In the context of contemporary art, background color is no longer just a background or a preparatory step, but has been elevated to a position as important as the theme and composition, becoming an independent artistic language. The artists are directly involved in the narrative construction of the works through carefully designed background colors, and the colors, textures, and even textures of the base colors themselves can convey profound meanings and emotions.
This shift in perception has led to bold experiments with background colors, such as using non-traditional materials (e.g., metal sheets, fabrics) as the base layer, or pre-designing complex base color structures through digital technology, so that background colors become effective carriers for expressing personal style, cultural identity, and philosophical reflections. This new perspective not only promotes the diversified development of oil painting landscape art, but also stimulates the rethinking and innovative integration of traditional techniques, showing the infinite artistic potential of background color techniques.
3. Enhancement of background color techniques and color expression
A. Base color and color hierarchy construction
The base color is the basis of the color construction of oil painting, which not only provides a platform for the upper color to be attached, but also is the key factor affecting the overall color effect. The color and brightness of the base color can be transmitted and interact with the pigment that covers it, thereby adjusting the transparency and saturation of the upper color.
For example, warm undertones add vibrancy to cool pigments, while cooler undertones make warm colors softer and deeper. In addition, the texture and thickness of the base color can also affect the presentation of light and shadow, with delicate and smooth base colors helping to create a sharp contrast of light and shadow, while rough or grainy base colors can create a scattered light effect that enhances the atmosphere and depth of the image.
B. Use of non-traditional materials
With the development of materials science, modern artists are no longer limited to traditional oil painting materials, but boldly explore non-traditional media such as metallic pigments, acrylic, and even natural materials, injecting new life into the base color. Metallic pigments such as copper powder and silver foil can not only reflect the surrounding light to create a sparkling or mysterious effect, but also show dynamic changes with the change of perspective, adding to the interactivity and viewing interest of the work.
Acrylic paints, due to their quick drying and vivid colors, can quickly establish a color base when used as a base color, while retaining clear brushstrokes and textures, so that the modernity and tension of the work can be enhanced. The use of these new materials greatly expands the texture and visual expression of the background color, making the oil painting landscape works present unprecedented diversity.
C. Application of color psychology
Color psychology reveals the close connection between color and human emotion, and artists skillfully use color theory when choosing base colors to influence the viewer's emotional response and perception. For example, blue undertones are often used to create an atmosphere of serenity and peace that guides the viewer into contemplation; Red or orange undertones can inspire enthusiasm and energy, and evoke strong emotional resonance.
By consciously choosing a background color that is in line with the theme, the artist can set the emotional tone before the work is fully displayed, guide the audience's psychological expectations, and deepen the understanding and feeling of the theme of the work. This kind of psychological communication is a force that cannot be ignored in oil painting landscape art.
D. Experimental undertone techniques
Driven by the pursuit of individual expression and artistic innovation, the artist continues to explore experimental methods of background color treatment, such as dripping, scratching, collage, etc., as well as using digital technology to preset background color patterns. These unconventional techniques break down the traditional pattern of smooth, even undertones, creating random textures, mottled color gradations, and unexpected visual effects. For example, by dripping paint to create a naturally flowing texture, the base color seems to have a life of its own, in dialogue with the subsequent painting process.
The intervention of digital technology allows artists to experiment with a myriad of color schemes in the virtual space and choose the design that best matches the creative intent. These experimental techniques not only enhance the visual impact of the works, but also provide the audience with a novel and unique color experience, challenging the established aesthetic habits, and promoting the art of oil painting landscape to a broader field of expression.
Fourth, the background color, composition, and innovative expression of space
A. The relationship between base color and composition
The role of background color in composition is much more than just the background, it is an indispensable part of the compositional design, and actively participates in the organization of the picture through the distribution of colors, chiaroscuro, and pattern design. By carefully designing the base color, the artist can guide the flow of the viewer's gaze and strengthen the center point or guide line of the picture, thereby enhancing the overall sense of rhythm and movement.
For example, gradient undertones can be used to subtly transition from side to side, creating a visual push and pull effect that guides the viewer's attention along a specific path. At the same time, by partitioning the background color, the artist can divide different areas of the picture, clarify the foreground, middle ground and background, and lay a solid framework for the subsequent detailed depiction, making the composition more balanced and harmonious.
B. Creation of spatial depth
Base colors play a crucial role in creating spatial depth in the picture. Through the change of warm and cold colors, the adjustment of chiaroscuro and saturation, the artist is able to simulate the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional canvas. Warm and light colors tend to push forward, while cool and dark colors retreat, using this principle, the base color can be used to construct spatial perspective through the gradient and layering of colors.
For example, when depicting distant mountains, the cool undertones of pale blue can effectively convey a sense of distance, contrasting with warm-toned objects in close proximity and enhancing the sense of profundity. In addition, blurring or gently applying undertones can be used in distant scenes, contrasting with the sharp details in the foreground to further enhance the sense of depth in the space.
C. Bridging the gap between abstraction and figuration
In oil landscapes, the background color often plays the role of a bridge between the abstract background and the figurative subject. By incorporating abstract elements or textures around the figurative subject, the background color can balance the boundaries between reality and imagination in the picture, allowing abstract colors and forms to penetrate with the concrete scene and tell a story together.
For example, a blurred speck of color serves as a background color, which can not only serve as an abstract expression of the sky, but also provide an emotional environment for concrete images such as trees and buildings, making the whole scene more vivid and symbolic. This background design not only enriches the language of the picture, but also promotes the audience's thinking about the deep meaning of the work.
D. Creation of a unique spatial atmosphere
The color selection and treatment of the background color directly determine the atmosphere and mood tone of the whole work. Bright background colors, such as light yellow or sky blue, can create a relaxed, cheerful, and vibrant atmosphere, making the picture full of brightness and hope; Dark undertones, such as dark gray or dark green, tend to lead the viewer into a contemplative or melancholy emotional state, creating an atmosphere of mystery, heaviness, or tragedy.
By controlling the transparency and blending of the base colors, the artist can create a hazy, dreamlike visual effect that seems to cast a veil over the entire scene. Whether seeking to express the tranquility of nature or the hustle and bustle of the city, the background color is a powerful tool to shape the unique atmosphere of the space, which can guide the audience's emotional experience, so that the oil painting landscape is not only a visual enjoyment, but also a touch of the soul.
Fifth, the refinement of background color techniques and emotional communication
A. Emotional tone setting of the undertones
As the cornerstone of the picture, the choice of tone directly affects the emotional tone and atmosphere of the work. Warm tones, such as orange and yellow, can stimulate the warmth and cheerfulness of the viewer, setting a positive tone for a painting, as if the sun is shining and everything is revived.
Conversely, cool tones such as blue and purple tend to create an atmosphere of tranquility, melancholy, and even mystery, leading the viewer into a state of deep introspection or contemplation. By carefully selecting the color tendency of the background color, the artist not only presets the visual temperature of the picture, but also conducts an emotional pre-communication with the viewer without words, leaving a deep emotional imprint for the subsequent creation.
B. Psychological and emotional metaphors
Background color is not only the application of color, but also the externalization of the artist's inner world. It is like a mirror, reflecting the emotional fluctuations and psychological state of the creator. By controlling the lightness, purity, and texture of the base color, the artist delicately weaves emotional metaphors.
For example, the use of soft and fuzzy undertones may imply the artist's nostalgia and reluctance to remember the past; Contrasting undertones may express some kind of strong emotional conflict or hope for the future. This metaphorical expression allows the audience to feel the subtle and complex inner world of the artist while appreciating the work, and to achieve deep emotional resonance.
C. Formation of personal style
In oil landscape painting, the treatment of background color has gradually become an important symbol of the artist's personal style. Different artists have developed unique techniques for the application of undertones according to their own aesthetic preferences and emotional expression needs, which are not only related to the choice of color, but also to the texture, layering and integration of the undertones with the theme.
Some artists prefer layers of impasto to create a rich texture, showing strength and depth. Others tend to have a light and transparent wash-down background, pursuing the freshness and ethereal inspiration of the picture. The use of these personalized background color techniques makes each work bear the author's unique imprint, which enhances the recognition of the work and allows the audience to identify the artist's creation at a glance through the stylistic characteristics of the background color.
Case studies
From the wide range of artistic practices, we can summarize that artists skillfully use the diversity of background colors to delicately show various emotional states. For example, when some artists depict sad or lonely subjects, they may choose dull and low-saturation backgrounds, reflecting the heaviness and silence of the heart through the oppressive feeling of color. When expressing joy and vitality, it is possible to use bright, vivid background colors to convey optimism with the vitality of colors.
The subtle changes in the background color, like the melody and harmony in music, can lead the audience through different emotional dimensions and feel the complex and delicate emotional world behind the artwork. This technique of conveying emotions through the background color is a wordless spiritual dialogue between the artist and the audience, and is another important embodiment of the charm of oil painting landscape art.
VI. Conclusion
As the core element of oil painting landscape creation, the background color technique plays a significant role in enhancing the artistic expression of the work. Through the careful design and application of the background color, the artist can not only lay the emotional tone of the whole work, but also enhance the depth and three-dimensional sense of the picture, making the scene more visually rich and vivid. The color selection, texture processing and layering of the background color work together to create the atmosphere of the work, making landscape painting not only a reproduction of natural scenes, but also a carrier of the artist's emotional expression and aesthetic pursuit. In addition, the personalized application of background color techniques has promoted the diversification of artistic styles and injected infinite vitality and innovation into the development of oil painting landscape art.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Oil Painting Techniques and Materials
Color & Light: A Guide to Realistic Painting
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