Chiaroscuro

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Welcome to AccessArt: Chiaroscuro

Charcoal dust

The word chiaroscuro is Italian for light and shadow. It was a technique introduced during the Renaissance period, referring to the use of light and shadow. This technique is used to make drawings appear three-dimensional as well as to capture drama and a sense of space.

Chiaroscuro can be achieved through explorations of tonal variation.

Have fun exploring AccessArt resources focused around chiaroscuro. 

Dip your toes into chiaroscuro

Explore this Talking Points to help you find out more about chiaroscuro.

Talking Points: What is chiaroscuro?

Strange Flower (Little Sister of the Poor) (1880) by Odilon Redon. Original from the Art Institute of Chicago

Chiaroscuro is used because it draws the eye toward the focus point which the artist intends in a very natural way.

Find key concepts below to help you explore chiaroscuro:

  • Light

  • Dark

  • Tonal value

  • Form

Explore Artists

See how artists use chiaroscuro to bring focus to elements in their work.

Paul Klee

Battle scene from the funny and fantastic opera "The Seafarers" (1923) painting in high resolution by Paul Klee. Original from the Kunstmuseum Basel Museum

Shaun Tan

The Arrival by Shaun Tan https://vimeo.com/139679090

dutch and flemish still life

A Vase with Flowers Artist: Jacob Vosmaer (Dutch, Delft ca. 1584–1641 Delft) Date: probably 1613 Medium: Oil on wood Dimensions: 33 1/2 x 24 5/8 in. (85.1 x 62.5 cm) Classification: Paintings Credit Line: Purchase, 1871

Explore resources using chiaroscuro

Explore these sample resources to help you explore chiaroscuro.

Pastel and Rubber Chiaroscuro Drawings

Pastel and Rubber Chiaroscuro Drawings

Show Me The Shadows

"Show me what you see" drawing

Drawing by torchlight

Drawing in charcoal by torchlight

See Three Shapes

See Three Shapes

See All AccessArt Resources Exploring Chiaroscuro…

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