Renaissance Movement

     The Renaissance was a defining time period across all aspects of modern existence. Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Michaelangelo and countless others all put forward contributions that would eventually change the way humans were able to live and develop. And while all of that is great, this is an art-based blog and therefore I am going to address specific innovations that effected specifically the art and art-related world. SO.. here are some amazing contributions that we have solely the Renaissance to thank for. Oil painting. The art of painting with oil paints. Throughout the Renaissance period the art of oil painting was manipulated and changed as different artists tested out different types of oils, different pigmentation and different techniques. It was the renaissance period that truly displayed the wonders of an oil painting through such brilliant artists such as Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Donatello and countless others. Oil painting is now a widely used and highly acclaimed medium of painting. Without the development and growth it went during the Renaissance period, it is undeniable that it would not be the incredible area of art that it is today. 

One- Point Perspective

     A specific technique the Renaissance introduced was the idea of "one point perspective" (illustrated to the right). One point perspective is define as A way to show three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. Lines appear to go away from the viewer and meet at a single point on the horizon known as the vanishing point. This technique is very often seen in paintings depicting large scenes. Famous artworks from the Renaissance such as "The Last Supper" be Leonardo Da Vinci and the Arnolfini Wedding portrait both display use of this concept. It is one that is still widely used today and is something that can make a painting strikingly realistic. 

     The printing press is an invention of art coming from the Renaissance which we can possibly credit to the further success of mankind. Many people would say the written word is what has made humans such a successful species. The printing press was made by Gutenberg in 1445. It was simple, but allowed many copies of a single book to be made much faster than traditional handwritten methods. The most greatly reproduced book being the Bible. The now available "mass" printing of the religious book allowed it to become much more widely available to the population and even converted some adversary's into believers. As a lover of books, the internet, school, and mostly all modern media I would like to thank Mr. Gutenberg for creating something that started the mass availability of the written word. Just fantastic.