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| Michelangelo |
If you could go back in time and spend one day with an
artist, whom would you choose? Today,
I’m choosing Michelangelo. His passion,
dedication and genius forever influenced the development of Western Art!
His visage is not always recognized. However, his work is immortalized. Michelangelo was born in
1475, and is known
as the supreme Renaissance artist. He was a sculptor, a painter, an architect,
and a poet. He lived a long life and
left a legacy that has lasted over five hundred years! He is perhaps best known for his renderings in the Sistine Chapel.
Contrary to popular belief, Michelangelo did not paint the Sistine
Chapel while lying down on his back. He
stood on the scaffolding that he designed himself. However, this put tremendous strain on his
neck and arms. From his discomfort,
unparalleled beauty was born!
It took a little over four years for Michelangelo to
complete his frescoes. He used the Buon
fresco technique. It was the first time
he used this difficult, laborious technique.
Buon fresco is painting with pigment that is mixed with water. This is applied on a thin layer of wet, fresh
plaster. His assistants helped with the
plaster, but only Michelangelo applied the strokes of paint to the ceiling. He also had to learn some incredibly
difficult techniques in perspective in order to make his figures look correct
on a curved surface, from sixty feet below!
The old masters were dedicated, patient, deeply inspired,
and exhibited great focus. I hope these characteristics in future generations; will not
be lost to the insatiable desire for immediate gratification. -
Jill Saur www.JillSaurFineArt.com
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| The Sistine Chapel |
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| The Sistine Chapel |
