Earth without Art Is Just … “Eh”
<p>Throughout history, artists have used earth’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’ 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 “earth pigments” refers to those mainly composed of silicates, clays, iron oxides and hydroxides — all abundant minerals in the earth’s crust. The color of the paint depends on the ratio of these minerals. If you’ve ever driven out west and seen the red and yellow landscape, then you’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>