I used the 4 modes of the Italian renaissance to paint (Sfumato, Chiaroscuro and Cangiante. However, I did not have as much use for Unione in this particular piece) as a way of further linking the appropriated content to the context it is in, to draw additional comparisons between the Renaissance and the 21st Century. Below are some descriptions and images of my process of colour mixing, blending, highlighting and more.
Demonstration of Chiaroscuro:
The work as a whole is a demonstration of Chiaroscuro (light/dark).
Images below can be magnified
Demonstration of Cangiante:
I mixed a purple to shade the blue areas instead of darkening the blue. This means that the blue shade still presents its vibrancy to the spectator, even in the shaded areas. This also prevents the image from appearing dulled down and ‘flat’.
Demonstration of Sfumato:
In these images you can see how I have implemented the use of Sfumato (blurring of edges) to give the figure a softer appearance. It not only makes the work appear more life-like, but also aids the use of chiaroscuro as it highlights the illuminated portions.
As a way of retaining as much authenticity to the renaissance techniques as possible, I use only primary-coloured paints to mix from.