The art of light and shadow

‘Chiaroscuro’ in Italian means “light-dark’; ‘Chiaro’ meaning bright and ‘scuro’ meaning dark. Chiaroscuro technique has been used by artists across the centuries to bring their portrait paintings to life. The technique adds a dramatic third-dimensional by lighting the sitter against a dark background.

It is believed that Chiaroscuro was first used by the Greek painter Apollodorus Skiagraphos. It later appeared in the world’s most familiar artworks including ‘Mona Lisa’ by Leonardo da Vinci and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ by Johannes Vermeer.

If you visited the River City exhibitions ‘Italian Renaissance’ and ‘Leonardo Opera Omnia’ you will have seen this technique. The artist of the Renaissance (15th-16th centuries) were fond of the technique as they believed it brought their paintings to life.

In the 17th Century, Caravaggio’s paintings were classic examples of this technique. He painted large canvasses with subjects illuminated in the foreground set against a darkened background. The result were stunning paintings full of life, emotion, and drama. 

Still in the 17th Century, Dutch master painter, Rembrandt deployed the technique to bring to life his sitter’s face: partly in shadow and partly exposed to the light.

If you are busy painting your entry for RCB Portrait Prize 2021, Thailand’s first national portrait competition, you might want to use the Chiaroscuro technique yourself. You will see examples of portrait paintings which use this technique on Instagram @portraitprize. Light your sitter’s face, ensuring the background is dark. Try to capture the shadows. 

The deadline for entries is 15 August 2021. Please email the required information and photos to [email protected] 

RCB Portrait Prize: 500,000 Baht
Packing Room Prize: 200,000 Baht
People’s Choice Prize: 100,000 Baht

Read entry conditions here

#RCBPORTRAITPRIZE2021