Sfumato, from the Italian word, sfumare, "to tone down" or "to evaporate like smoke", refers to a painting style which was coined by Leonardo da Vinci. Sfumato paintings can be recognized by the blending of colors and tones which are so subtle, the transition between shape and shadow cannot be perceived. The most famous example of this method of painting is da Vinci's, "Mona Lisa."
Color Palette for Sfumato Paintings
Mid-tone colors are the basis for this type of oil painting technique. The easiest selection of colors to work with comes from a palette of earth tones. Starting with neutral grays and browns for the under painting, glazes can then continue into a small range of earthy greens, blues and browns which all stay within a similar tonal range. These colors, if painted in a value scale would fall within the same narrow range almost creating a monochromatic feel.
For consistency, contrasting colors, complimentary colors and intense colored paints such as bright reds should be avoided. Black and white is used to help modify tones within the colors, narrowing the palette, yet offering some variation.
Sfumato artists tend to use dark umber browns to show the illusion of objects in the distance. Mixing umber brown and ultramarine blue paints will create an interesting variation on black.
Techniques
Painting in very thin layers of glazes over a solid under painting is the most effective way to create a smoky illusion. Glazes refer to oil paint that has been thinned down to a watery consistency. This can be achieved with a number of thinning vehicles, though linseed oil works very well. After the under painting is completely dry, the first layer of glaze is added and allowed to also completely dry prior to adding additional glazes.
Patience is the most important attribute to this technique of painting. Depending on the climate where the artwork is made, it may take several days for each layer to dry completely, which is the key to successful layering. It is suggested to work on several canvases at once for artists practicing this technique.
When painting facial features, there should be no outlines, and very little definition between shapes. Instead, distinctive features should be softly blended variations in tone and color. In the case of shadows, darker browns can be blended to show depth. Colors can be swapped to help with the illusion. Burnt umber and ochre can be used for lips instead of red. Moss green and burnt umber can be used for eyes in place of blues.
Filbert and fan brushes are ideal for blending out edges. Greater detail can be achieved using smaller brushes. Da Vinci was known to have painted upwards of 40 layers of glazes while painting "Mona Lisa." His painting technique was not typical short or long brush strokes; instead he used tiny dots to convey the minutest shadows.
