Andrew Wyeth
(1917--2009) was one of the best known contemporary American artists. His most renowned work is "Christina's World," which he created in 1948. It depicts a woman in a pink dress lying in a field as she leans toward a distant farmhouse and barn. The viewer cannot see her face. Famed for realistic paintings of rural 20th century American life, Wyeth developed a style and techniques that set him apart from other artists of his time.
Egg Tempera
Wyeth used egg tempera paint for most of his most famous paintings. Before each painting session he would prepare his paints using raw egg yolk, vinegar, water and pure powdered vegetable or mineral pigments. After creating an under-painting of blocks of color, he would apply layers of egg tempera. These layers acted like translucent glazes, combining to form particular colors. They also provided a depth of color that is almost impossible to achieve with acrylic or oil paints.
Realism
Wyeth painted in a highly realistic style that has been referred to as magic realism because of its almost dreamlike quality. He was able to achieve this appearance by carefully arranging and composing the elements of his art. He also paid microscopic attention to details. For example, he would paint every blade of grass as it appears in real life. However, the same grass could also evoke a feeling of unease because of the artist's contrasting interplay between direct light and shadow.
Dry Brush Technique
Andrew Wyeth is known for is his dry brush technique. When using this method, he would apply a very small amount of damp paint to a brush, using no water or medium to dilute the paint. He would then painstakingly create minute details in his paintings with the very tip of a brush. He would use an extremely light touch, and the details that he painted this way look as though they were drawn and not painted.
Asymmetrical Elements
Wyeth went against the accepted rules of composition and created works that were asymmetrical. As a result, elements of the paintings do not guide the viewer's eye to any particular focal point. This makes the viewer feel a slight discomfort. It also creates a sense of loneliness and alienation. This technique of making objects asymmetrical was effectively used in "Christina's World."
