Flemish technique in oil painting originated in medieval Flanders. Brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck are credited as the first masters, or even its inventors.Many other artists from different countries and ages adopted the same technique, such as Dürer, Pieter Bruegel, Lucas Cranach, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, etc.
The Flemish technique is a lengthy and complex process. It is a strict sequence of seven layers; each must dry out applying the next one. The coats are mostly thin and transparent, which causes the glow from beneath. Each layer is very elaborate and looks like a finished picture. The more detailed the layer, the more real, 3-D and lively the picture.
Noteworthy, the Flemish technique is virtually the only way to provide the image with an inner glow. Surely everyone has paid attention to old paintings in museums where persons and objects are as if filled with an infinite magical light that cannot be achieved by any lighting. It is the painting method that accounts for their inexplicable mystery and fascination. Another merit of the Flemish technique is the long life of a picture provided by fully dried thin coats of paint.
The Flemish technique is a lengthy and complex process. It is a strict sequence of seven layers; each must dry out applying the next one. The coats are mostly thin and transparent, which causes the glow from beneath. Each layer is very elaborate and looks like a finished picture. The more detailed the layer, the more real, 3-D and lively the picture.
Noteworthy, the Flemish technique is virtually the only way to provide the image with an inner glow. Surely everyone has paid attention to old paintings in museums where persons and objects are as if filled with an infinite magical light that cannot be achieved by any lighting. It is the painting method that accounts for their inexplicable mystery and fascination. Another merit of the Flemish technique is the long life of a picture provided by fully dried thin coats of paint.
The method involves the following steps:
— An accurate drawing the size of the picture then transferred to the canvas;
— Painting layers: 1) the imprimatura sets the key for the painting;2) the ochre grisaille sets the warm
— An accurate drawing the size of the picture then transferred to the canvas;
— Painting layers: 1) the imprimatura sets the key for the painting;2) the ochre grisaille sets the warm
tones; 3) the cold gray and bluish tones of grisaille;4) a soft and limited four colour palette; 5) the whole colour palette; 6) glazes, thin layers of transparent colors;7) highlights.
Unfortunately, the Flemish painting method is now almost forgotten. Several centuries ago artists started to neglect and later even denied it as a result of the growing mankind’s desire to get something quickly and effortlessly. Luckily, a lot of written sources and paintings have survived that can help an artist to revive the old traditions and learn to create masterpieces of rare beauty.
Unfortunately, the Flemish painting method is now almost forgotten. Several centuries ago artists started to neglect and later even denied it as a result of the growing mankind’s desire to get something quickly and effortlessly. Luckily, a lot of written sources and paintings have survived that can help an artist to revive the old traditions and learn to create masterpieces of rare beauty.