Transparency
Definition
Transparency refers to how clearly one can see through an object or material. In art, it describes the quality of allowing light to pass through and reveal what is behind it.
Analogy
Imagine a window covered with a sheer curtain. When you look through the window, you can see outside, but the curtain adds a layer of transparency that slightly blurs your view. This concept of seeing through something while still having some obstruction is similar to transparency in art.
Related terms
Overlapping: The placement of one object or shape partially covering another in an artwork. It creates depth and suggests spatial relationships.
Glazing: A technique where transparent layers of paint are applied over each other, allowing previous layers to show through. It adds richness and luminosity to colors.
Stained Glass: A decorative form of glasswork where colored glass pieces are joined together using lead strips or copper foil. It showcases the beauty of transparency and light transmission.
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