15 Key Terms in the Lexicon of Art Connoisseurs
Certain terms are not commonly used in everyday conversation in the rich and complex art world. These words often describe specific techniques, movements, and phenomena that reveal the intricacies of an artist’s process or the deeper meaning behind a work of art.
Art techniques reveal the creativity and intent behind each masterpiece. This overview of 15 essential terms will deepen your appreciation and understanding of artistic expression.
1. Alla prima
Alla prima, or "wet-on-wet" painting, is a technique where wet paint is applied directly onto a previously laid-down layer of still-wet paint, allowing for a more spontaneous and dynamic approach to painting. Artists using this method can complete a painting in one sitting, making it a favourite technique for capturing fleeting moments or emotions.
Example: John Singer Sargent often used alla prima in his portraits, such as Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1892). The swift, fluid brushstrokes in her gown and background reflect the immediacy and freshness that alla prima allows. This technique gives Sargent’s works a lively, unfinished quality that enhances the sense of realism. The visible brushwork also conveys a sense of movement and energy, as if the portrait were painted in one breath.
