Every great painting can be seen as a combination of two essential components: the canvas and the palette where colors are blended. The Artist’s Palette, set to be published on November 5 by Princeton University Press, offers an in-depth exploration of this artistic process, focusing on the beauty of essential studio tools.
Compiled by art historian and author Alexandra Loske, the book showcases 50 palettes used by legendary artists such as Edvard Munch, Paula Modersohn-Becker, and Kerry James Marshall.
Loske presents each palette, highlighting features like dried paint, worn edges, and stained wood, alongside one or more corresponding artworks. She analyzes the mixing of pigments, emphasizing color relationships and elucidating the techniques and decisions that contributed to the final piece.
For instance, Modersohn-Becker’s palette narrates a poignant chapter in her life; she passed away while giving birth to her daughter, leaving behind a studio filled with new and unfinished works—a testament to her artistic evolution and the transitions inherent in an artist’s journey.
Marshall intertwines this theme within his artwork, depicting a Black artist holding an oversized palette, prompting reflection on the significance of color in both Black history and Western art.
From Impressionist to modernist figures, The Artist’s Palette uncovers the narratives behind some of art history’s most significant paintings. Pre-orders are available at Colossal Shop.
Related Topics:
Mastering Cartoon Wednesday Addams Drawing: A Comprehensive Guide