Jane Cochrane
MA Fine Arts
Colour - Luminosity - Light
Watercolour watercolor
Contemporary Art - geometric - abstract art - Op Art
Jane Cochrane Artist
Luminosity in Art - My Definition
“Luminosity in art refers to the perceived quality of radiant, glowing light from a painted artwork. This is created or enhanced by an artist’s skilful use of techniques such as composition, colour, and materials. Luminosity can also convey an emotion or a story.” Jane Cochrane, 2023
Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose (1885-86), John Singer Sargent, Photo: Tate
This is the image that first inspired me. When I was about 10 years old, a school trip to London included visiting The Tate. I'd never been to London before or to such a large gallery. When I saw this painting, I was totally transfixed by the lanterns. They seemed so real and so alight; I even thought there might be lights behind the canvas. I couldn't understand how mere pigments could combine together to create this glow.
Back at home, I tried to recreate the lanterns, without realising that my cheap paints, even cheaper paper, and lack of colour knowledge would ever bring about the results that took Sargent two years to achieve!
So, how does luminosity work?
Over the years and during my MA research, I identified 10 separate techniques or methods of creating or enhancing luminosity in an artwork.
This book is a result of that work - each of the ten chapters identifies and explains the theory using masterpieces as examples and gives exercises to help painters practice and build their skill.