Michelangelo

Michelangelo

If you could go back in time and spend one day with an artist, whom would you choose?  Today, I’m choosing Michelangelo.  His passion, dedication, and genius forever influenced the development of Western Art!

His visage is not always recognized.  However, his work is immortalized.  Michelangelo was born in 1475, and is known as the supreme Renaissance artist. He was a sculptor, a painter, an architect, and a poet.  He lived a long life and left a legacy that has lasted over five hundred years!  He is perhaps best known for his renderings in the Sistine Chapel.

Contrary to popular belief, Michelangelo did not paint the Sistine Chapel while lying down on his back.  He stood on the scaffolding that he designed himself.  However, this put tremendous strain on his neck and arms.  From his discomfort, unparalleled beauty was born! 

It took a little over four years for Michelangelo to complete his frescoes.  He used the Buon fresco technique.  It was the first time he used this difficult, laborious technique.  Buon fresco is painting with pigment that is mixed with water.  This is applied on a thin layer of wet, fresh plaster.  His assistants helped with the plaster, but only Michelangelo applied the strokes of paint to the ceiling.  He also had to learn some incredibly difficult techniques in perspective in order to make his figures look correct on a curved surface, from sixty feet below!  

The old masters were dedicated, patient, deeply inspired, and exhibited great focus.  I hope these characteristics in future generations; will not be lost to the insatiable desire for immediate gratification.   -  Jill Saur  www.JillSaurFineArt.com

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel