Earth without Art Is Just … “Eh”

<p>Throughout history, artists have used earth&rsquo;s natural resources to create works of art. These can come from a variety of sources including rocks, minerals, clays, and even plant-based materials. Linseed oil, a common binder used in Western paintings, is made from flax seeds; dyes used to create vibrant textile colors come from plants; and charcoal, a common drawing material, is just burnt wood. To celebrate Earth Day today, we are reflecting on paintings and objects within the CMA collection that highlight artists&rsquo; use of earth pigments.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:630/1*fM0034ZPSbHd03lVftajPQ.jpeg" style="height:525px; width:700px" /></p> <p>Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah</p> <p>From the earliest cave paintings to modern art, artists have been making pigments from rocks and soil. The term &ldquo;earth pigments&rdquo; refers to those mainly composed of silicates, clays, iron oxides and hydroxides &mdash; all abundant minerals in the earth&rsquo;s crust. The color of the paint depends on the ratio of these minerals. If you&rsquo;ve ever driven out west and seen the red and yellow landscape, then you&rsquo;re familiar with earth pigments.</p> <p><a href="https://medium.com/cma-thinker/earth-without-art-is-just-eh-d53bb919e2e5"><strong>Read More</strong></a></p>
Tags: Earth Art