Sfumato, cangiante, chiaroscuro, and unione are four techniques used to create depth.
The Renaissance is the cultural and historical period that began in Italy during the mid-14th century and continued through the early 16th century. Literally translated as "rebirth," the Renaissance was a time of discovery and experimentation. Scientific inquiry took precedence over religious doctrine. Social and political theory were based in reason and holistic education. Art moved forward with two distinct goals: emulating the work of the Romans and achieving realistic depictions of subjects and setting.
Timeline
The "Renaissance" as a term is used to describe a period of socio-political change; this is useful when making broad statements about the artwork of the time. However, individual art historians each have their own opinions about the events that mark the beginning and end of the Renaissance. Make a timeline of the major artists and artworks of the Renaissance era. Include photographs or drawings of each. Set your own start and end date based on the features you use to define "Renaissance art." Attach an essay or summary explaining your decision.
Emulation
After studying the painting techniques and materials used by Renaissance artists, select a painting and make a copy of the piece. Use modern art supplies that are similar to those found in the painting or sculpture. For example, in lieu of animal fat gesso use acrylic "gesso" primer to treat wood paneling before painting. Be sure to pay attention to the way hue, value, shape and line were used to create perspective.
Architecture
Renaissance architecture revived the use of Roman and Greek art elements such as columns, pilasters, pediments and domes. These buildings featured symmetrical facades and proportionate interior space based on a common volume. Make your own renaissance style model out of toothpicks, clay, cardboard or oak tag. Or, carve a detailed facade out of a clay slab. Place facades side-by-side along a chair rail or back splash to create a complete Renaissance town.
Fresco
Fresco is a method of painting murals on walls or ceilings in which liquid pigment is applied directly to wet plaster. Although this technique is not specific to the Renaissance, this era had many famous frescoists including Michaelangelo, Raphael and Mantegna. There are three main types of fresco: buon-fresco, secco-fresco and mezzo-fresco. Buon-fresco is the most durable of the three, but also the hardest to accomplish. To create a buon-fresco dry pigment is mixed with water and painted onto a thin layer of fresh, wet plaster or lime mortar. After evaporation the pigment adheres directly to the plaster. Secco-fresco and mezzo-fresco are similar but performed on partially-cured plaster. Make your own fresco by pouring plaster into a foam tray. Mix an unadultered, dry pigment with water and paint as desired. You may refer to Renaissance frescoes such as the ceiling of the Sistine chapel for inspiration.
