MFA Studio Art and Painting Techniques 2

Question 1

What is 'chiaroscuro' in visual art?

Accepted Answer

The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to model three-dimensional forms

Answer

Chiaroscuro is an Italian term for the dramatic use of light and shadow to create the illusion of volume and depth in a two-dimensional work.

Question 2

In the context of MFA studio critiques, what does 'formal analysis' primarily examine?

Accepted Answer

The visual elements and principles of design within the work itself

Answer

Formal analysis focuses on the visual components of a work — line, color, shape, texture, composition — independent of its subject matter or context.

Question 3

Which color mixing model is used in traditional painting, where red, yellow, and blue are primary colors?

Accepted Answer

Subtractive color model (RYB)

Answer

The traditional RYB subtractive model is used in painting because mixing physical pigments subtracts wavelengths of light, unlike mixing light sources.

Question 4

What is 'impasto' in painting technique?

Accepted Answer

Thick application of paint that creates a three-dimensional texture on the surface

Answer

Impasto refers to applying paint very thickly so that brushstrokes or palette knife marks remain visibly raised on the surface.

Question 5

In photography and visual art, what does 'depth of field' control?

Accepted Answer

The range of distances within a scene that appears acceptably sharp

Answer

Depth of field refers to the zone of acceptable sharpness in an image; a shallow depth of field isolates the subject with a blurred background.

MFA - Master of Fine Arts Practice Test

MFA - Master of Fine Arts Practice Test

MFA Studio Art and Painting Techniques 2