Ground

Definition

In painting, the ground refers to the initial layer or surface that serves as a base for subsequent applications of paint or other materials. This layer is crucial as it affects the adhesion, appearance, and overall durability of the artwork. The ground can be made from various materials, including gesso or acrylic mediums, and influences how colors are perceived and interact with one another.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ground layers can vary in texture, color, and absorbency, affecting how paint behaves and appears on top of them.
2. Historically, different cultures used unique materials for grounds, like animal hide glues or chalk mixed with binders, depending on the desired effect.
3. A well-prepared ground helps prevent the paint from sinking into the substrate, which can lead to degradation over time.
4. Grounds are sometimes tinted to create a specific mood or effect in a painting before applying additional layers of color.
5. Some artists choose to leave parts of the ground exposed intentionally for aesthetic reasons, adding depth and contrast to their work.

Review Questions

• How does the choice of ground material impact the painting process and final artwork?
  • The choice of ground material significantly impacts both the painting process and the final artwork. Different ground materials offer varying levels of absorbency, texture, and color, which can affect how paint adheres and appears. For example, a smooth gesso ground allows for fine details and vibrant colors, while a textured ground may create more dynamic brushwork. Additionally, the color of the ground can influence how the final colors appear, making the selection of ground an essential decision for artists.
• Discuss the historical evolution of grounds in painting and their influence on artistic techniques.
  • Historically, grounds have evolved from simple mixtures like clay and chalk to more complex formulations such as modern acrylic gesso. This evolution has influenced artistic techniques significantly. For instance, during the Renaissance, artists often used multiple layers of different grounds to achieve a luminosity in their paintings that was highly sought after. As new materials became available over time, artists adapted their techniques accordingly, allowing for more diverse styles and effects in their work. Understanding these historical developments helps appreciate how grounds shape artistic expression.
• Evaluate the role of grounds in contemporary painting practices and how they relate to an artist's conceptual intentions.
  • In contemporary painting practices, grounds play a crucial role in expressing an artist's conceptual intentions. Many modern artists use unconventional grounds or intentionally manipulate traditional ones to challenge viewers' perceptions of depth, texture, and color. For instance, some artists may leave large areas of ground visible as part of their compositional strategy or use mixed media approaches where the ground interacts with other materials. This evaluation highlights how grounds are not just a preparatory step but an integral part of the artistic narrative and visual dialogue within contemporary art.

Related terms

Gesso: A white paint mixture used as a primer to prepare surfaces for painting, enhancing adhesion and providing a smooth working surface.

Support: The underlying structure or material upon which an artwork is created, such as canvas, wood panel, or paper, which supports the ground and paint layers.

Impasto: A technique in painting where paint is laid on the surface very thickly, often creating a textured effect that can interact with the ground layer.