Tenebrism describes a way of painting in which darkness plays a dominant role, learn about this technique and what makes it distinct from chiaroscuro. 

Grisaille comes from the French gris, meaning grey. It refers to artworks made entirely in shades of black and grey, or in a narrow range of neutral tones. You’ll find the technique across manuscripts, panel paintings, and decorative schemes from the Middle Ages onward. Artists used it to imitate carved stone, to separate sculptural forms from full-colour scenes, or to map out the tonal structure of a composition before colour was added. Today, we’ll look at a few examples of this technique in practice and explore what artists can learn from it.

Learn how to create a surreal, repeating nested effect where a skull emerges from the head of a portrait that can continue to loop infinitely. It's a fast, impactful technique that blends historical imagery with bold, graphic elements. Lets go!

Medieval manuscripts are renowned for their intricate illuminations and calligraphy, but beyond the main text lies a fascinating world of marginalia—decorative and often bizarre illustrations scribbled in the margins of books. These embellishments range from simple doodles to elaborate, surreal scenes that offer unique insights into medieval humour, satire, and social commentary. But what do they mean, and why were they included? Read on to find out!

Mysterious, monstrous, and steeped in symbolism, gargoyles have adorned important buildings for centuries. These eerie stone creatures are more than just decorative oddities—they were designed with both practical and spiritual purposes. From their origins as medieval water spouts to their potential role in warding off evil spirits, gargoyles have a fascinating history that blends function with folklore. In this post, we'll explore the history of these iconic figures—and reveal a common mistake people make when identifying them!

The golden ratio has fascinated artists, mathematicians, and designers for centuries and has been a guiding principle in art and design throughout history. Read on to we'll explore its historical significance, examine some famous applications, and share practical ways to incorporate it into your creative projects.

Fresco painting is one of the most enduring and iconic methods of mural creation, celebrated for its vibrant colours, durability, and historical significance.

Max Ernst created three major collage novels, which are considered significant contributions to surrealist art and literature, join us as we explore his work!

Albrecht Dürer is renowned for his exceptional engraving and printmaking skills. His works exhibit a mastery of technique and an in-depth understanding of symbolism and human experience. This blog post delves into three of Dürer's most celebrated engravings, known as his Meisterstiche, or master prints: 'Knight, Death and the Devil' (1513), 'Melencolia I' (1514) and 'St. Jerome in His Study' (1514).