Name of painter who painted in color layers, blue then red then yellow?

April 30, 2018 5:36 PM

I am trying to remember the name of an artist, a painter known for painting first the blue element of a painting, then the red element, then the yellow. These were translucent oils so light would pass through all the layers then bounce back out as very luminous-looking combined colors.

I think he did a lot of magazine covers, maybe in art nouveau or sort of neo-classical style, around the 1910s or 1920s? One unfinished painting of his just includes the blue element painted in, as a backing for trees, hills, etc. About his method, he said, "It takes a lot more preparation and thought, but the results are worth it." I think he is also famous for juxtaposing the human form against squarish architecture.

Please help, this is driving me crazy!

posted by jabah to Society & Culture (4 answers total)

Chuck Close?
posted by starlybri at 5:39 PM on April 30, 2018

Best answer: Maybe Maxfield Parrish? "He achieved such luminous color through glazing. This process involves applying alternating bright layers of oil color separated by varnish over a base rendering. Parrish usually used a blue and white monochromatic underpainting."
posted by Wobbuffet at 5:42 PM on April 30, 2018 [6 favorites]

Response by poster: Indeed, it is Maxfield Parrish. Thank you so much...I was beginning to think I made him up!
posted by jabah at 5:52 PM on April 30, 2018

Hannes Bok used the same technique.
posted by Chenko at 10:25 AM on May 1, 2018