Running head: DRAWING TO PAINTING Drawing to Painting Kristofer Kem ARTS/230 June 26, 2014 Elizabeth Labby Drawing to Painting Raphael has painted the Alba Madonna. This paper will discuss what Raphael used to paint the Alba Madonna. This paper will also show how Raphael used drawing as a method to painting. Furthermore, the reader will be informed on the materials he used for his art work as well as how the foundations of his paintings came together for the final product. Lastly, this paper will explain why Raphael drew the work prior to him painting as well as what he wanted to express in his art work. Metalpoint was a tool that was used in the late 15th century that many artists used to create drawings. Metalpoint was one of the materials that Raphael used for his art work. “The metalpoint creates a chemical reaction once it is applied to paper this would produce lines” (Sayre, 2010). In addition to using metalpoint, Raphael also used chalk in his art work. In the past, many artists used chalk in his or her drawings. In order for chalk to be used like a pencil, it had to be sharpened to a point. Typically Raphael would use oil on wood panels. To create paintings, he used oil on canvas as well. Raphael was one the first artists to show what kind of power oil has in paintings. This is because of oil’s ability to give off a high gloss finish and its texture. Another medium that Raphael used in his paintings was tempera. Tempera is an emulsion of pure egg yolk and water that is used as a technique of painting. In painting it is used as a medium or binder. Its characteristics consist of rapid drying rate and lean film-forming properties. In his art work, Raphael has the ability to blend colors learning from Leonardo and Michelangelo’s art work. Before he could commit to his final composition, Raphael was able to work out the problems in his work using drawings as a rough draft. For essential foundations of his composition, Raphael would make cartoons as templates. To make sure his thoughts were conveyed correctly, He created sketches before he would paint the product. As a guide for his ideas for painting, he used different drawings of compositions. Raphael wanted his art to have personality, something that is different from the rest of the art world. Furthermore, Raphael wanted his viewers to reflect on his or her own emotions and lives. Raphael did a great job in creating art work that any viewer and observer can understand the meaning of. He wanted to change the way society views art. Raphael concentrated his art work on religion because he was a firm believer in God. An example of his expressing religion through art was the Alba Madonna. The Alba Madonna is strong and beautiful in its simplicity of message in its depiction of Madonna and the child like many of Raphael’s art work. It gains its importance when it showcases Raphael’s artistic techniques as well as the vision in his career where two different time periods are united as one. When someone is observing the Alba Madonna, one can interpret that Jesus is on Mary’s lap while John looks as if he is inquiring about her love for him. Mary has the look of love on her face expressing that she loves both baby Jesus as well as John. Raphael’s art work told stories and one can interpret the story behind any of his paintings. Drawing is just as important as painting in the art world. Drawing includes categories such as cartooning and is a way of expression in art. Most artists draw before he or she starts painting because a drawing can be erased like a rough draft. Painting is permanent so once its messed up, it has to be started all over. Drawings are used as a rough draft for a final product. Drawing is a very crucial step in creating art as well as building. In conclusion, metalpoint and chalk in creating his drawings. He also used oil on canvas to show its texture and its ability to show off a high gloss finish. Raphael followed in the footsteps of Leonardo and Michelangelo. He was a believer in religion so he painted the Alba Madonna. Raphael wanted his paintings to stand out from the rest of the art world and to have personality. He did his paintings so that the viewer can understand the story behind the art. References Sayre, H.M. (2010). A world of art. (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.