Artistic Language Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pointillism

Pointillism is a form of painting in which tiny dots of primary colors are used to generate secondary colors. It is an offshoot of Post-Impressionism and refers to the style of brushwork used to apply the paint more than it does the object/subject being painted. This is a time-consuming style of painting that very few artists ever master.

This painting, entitled "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of Grande Jatte-1884", is one of the most famous pieces of art done in this style. Created by French artist Georges-Pierre Seurat around 1885, it is considered by many to be one of the most iconic paintings created by pointillism.

Answer: Fresco

The term 'fresco' describes a painting technique in which pigments are dispersed in plain water and applied to a damp plaster wall. The wall becomes the binder as well as the support. One of the most famous frescos is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, from which this photo is taken. Fresco is a great way to paint as this type of painting lasts hundreds of years and, as long as they are kept clean and dry, the colors will remain bright and resist discoloration.

This image is from Michelangelo's paintings adorning the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and was painted around 1508.

Answer: Deceive the eye

The term "trompe-l'oeil" is French for "deceive the eye". It is a style of painting using extremely naturalistic details, aiming to persuade the viewer that they are looking at an actual object, not a representation. It is a form of optical illusion. It was a style that was often used to depict a window, hallway or door, which was not actually there.

This painting was done by Spanish painter Pere Borrell del Caso around 1874.

Answer: False

The mixing board held by a painter in one hand while painting with the other is known as a palette. A palette is usually made of wood and has a hole at one end for the thumb to go through. Some have a small holder attached underneath that holds brushes of various kinds. The term has evolved to mean the variety or spectrum of colors used in something such as a painting or room décor.

A stencil is a piece of impervious material, such as a sheet of paper or fabric, that has decorative perforations through which paint or ink is forced onto a surface.

Answer: Tronie

A tronie is an obsolete Dutch term that refers to a type of picture of a live model that was not intended as a formal portrait. Rather, they were kept in the artist's studio and were intended as an advertisement or example of the artist's skill. The models were usually depicted from the shoulders up, and they were usually dressed in exotic clothing or sometimes in historical styles. Turkish or Arabic costumes were very favored. Sometimes, the artist would depict an exaggerated facial expression, or showed the model involved in an ordinary daily activity. The intention was to keep the anonymity of the subject and to display the artist's skill.

This enigmatic tronie entitled "Girl With a Pearl Earring" was done by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer and was produced around 1665.

Answer: Silverpoint

Silverpoint is a drawing method using a piece of metal, usually silver wire, drawn on a background of paper or parchment. It was first known to be used by Medieval scribes, usually on religious manuscripts. The heated silver would leave a melted line burnt into the parchment.

This drawing of Mozart was done by German artist Dora Stock around 1789.

Answer: Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro is an Italian word that literally means "light dark". It is used to describe the skillful balance of light and dark in a painting. These strong contrasts are used to create a dramatic effect. Many of the paintings of Caravaggio and Rembrandt used this technique.

This painting entitled "Sacred and Profane Love", which was done by Italian painter Giovanni Baglione around 1602, is a prime example of this style of painting and the powerful effect of chiaroscuro.

Answer: Cubism

Cubism was a French school of art most prominent between 1907-1914. It is thought to have originated with painters Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. In Cubism the subject matter was less important than the way it was presented. Early Cubist works represented everyday objects, figures and landscapes and developed into a more indecipherable style in which pattern was more important than topic.

This painting titled "Violin and Checkerboard" is by Spanish artist Juan Gris and was created around 1913.

Answer: Thickly textured paint

Impasto is a style of painting characterized by thick juicy color application using thick textured paint. It is often almost three dimensional in appearance. Using an impasto technique will often result in visible brush strokes and globular paint application which adds to the shadow effect. It is almost a mix of sculpture and painting.

The Dutch painter Rembrandt was known for using this technique. This self- portrait done around 1669 is a fine example of the impasto technique.

Answer: Hot wax painting

The term "encaustic" literally means "to burn in". It is a painting technique in which the binder for the pigment is wax, usually beeswax. It is commonly known as "hot wax painting" and has been around for centuries. Pigments are mixed with melted wax and applied to a wooden surface. Canvas may be used if done carefully so as not to burn the threads. The use of wax allows for layering, which helps give a three-dimensional effect. Encaustic painting allows for a broad range of colors, from deep vibrant tones, to varying shades of black, white, and gray for a shadowed affect.

This image is named "Caesar Augustus' Lost Painting of Cleopatra" and is a lovely example of the encaustic style. It was made by American artist John Sartain in 1885.