Rembrandt's Saint James The Greater, 1661. (Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press)
While studying paintings created by Rembrandt van Rijn using software that examined lighting and spatial layout, University of British Columbia researcher Steve DiPaola uncovered how the Dutch master created his enduring works of art – through a technique that guides the viewer’s gaze.
According to DiPaola, Rembrandt’s technique was to paint a sharper focus on certain areas of a piece in order to draw the viewer’s eyes to that area. The study found that viewers would rest on the sharper areas longer, which resulted in a calming effect and also guided the viewer around the painting.
“This is about unlocking the puzzle of perception,” DiPaola told The Vancouver Sun newspaper. “Artists don’t always get the credit for it, but the way they make their magic is by exploiting brain science.”
By making certain details sharper and helping the viewer experience the painting, Rembrandt essentially created a narrative for his pieces. Whether Rembrandt actually knew what he was doing is still a question, but DiPaola feels the artist may have also intuitively done it. [Via CBC News]
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While Rembrandt is most widely known for his masterful paintings, he is also recognized as one of the best – if not the best – etcher of all time. For more information on the Park West Rembrandt Collection and the etching process in general, visit the Park West Gallery Rembrandt Website.
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Park West Gallery is excited to announce the dates for the 2010 Ann Arbor Street Fair. This annual event will be held July 21 – 24th and will include once again the most diverse, innovative and creative artists one can find. Established in 1960, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is the original of the now four award-winning Ann Arbor Art Fairs. It has been rated the best art fair by numerous magazines, bureaus and associations.
