Sanguine is a rich, reddish-brown chalk beloved by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo. Creating flesh-like tones in the human form or drawing warm landscapes, sanguine has a unique ability to bring life into art and coax forth the quintessence of the subject.
What is Sanguine?
Few drawing media inspire the imagination quite like sanguine or red chalk. Its warm, reddish-brown hue comes from natural hematite or red ocher. It evokes a range of emotions and encourages artistic expression, making it a favored choice among artists for centuries.
Named for its color resembling dried blood, sanguine comes from the Italian "sanguigna," based on the Latin word "sanguis" or blood. It brings life and warmth to artwork. Explore the nature of sanguine, its history, applications and how to make your own.
Traditionally made from red earths like red ochre, sanguine has been a popular medium for drawings. Texture and hue of various papers allows artists to create stunning contrasts and depth. Sanguine comes in a range of shades from warm orange to deep brown and beige.
Techniques in Sanguine
Sanguine is beautiful in sketches, life drawings and rustic scenes. It's particularly effective for rendering volume and modeling, making it ideal for portraiture and the figure. Like charcoal and pastel, sanguine can be maneuvered with varying pressure to create textures and tones.
One technique is layering. By starting with a light touch and gradually building up darker tones, an artist creates depth and realism. A fixative to repel smudges is applied to preserve the finished drawing, ensuring that the artwork remains vibrant for future generations.
Sanguine is versatile in its form, sold as wood-cased pencils or manufactured sticks. It's found in several tones, ranging from orange to tan, brown and beige, allowing for a diverse palette and potential for varied artistic styles.
Sanguine is an excellent choice for artists who value nuances in shade and shadow. The soft texture lends itself well to creating depth and dimension, while blending and layering add to its appeal.
Sanguine in Renaissance Art
The story of sanguine goes back to the Renaissance, where it's highly esteemed by artists like Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. These masters value its ability to capture the human form expressively, using warm undertones and highlights for a lifelike quality.
Sanguine is believed to originate in the late Middle Ages, primarily for sketches and studies. The Renaissance brings it into widespread popularity. Many artists embrace its capacity for varied effects, solidifying its place within renowned art studios.
Michelangelo’s use of sanguine in his preparatory sketches allowed him to illustrate not just the forms but the emotions behind them. The medium allows a level of detail essential for the study of form and movement.
How is Sanguine Made?
Creating sanguine can be a fascinating process. The basic steps involve sourcing red earth pigments and combining them with a binding agent, such as gum arabic or a similar medium.
The mixture is then shaped into sticks and allowed to dry. While creating high-quality sanguine can be complex, artists and enthusiasts can easily experiment with DIY methods for personal use.
The main ingredient is natural pigments derived from red ochre or other red earths. These pigments are mixed with a binder, typically chalk or gum Arabic, to ensure a workable texture. The blend is then formed into sticks and left to dry
DIY Sanguine: Make Your Own
Making your own sanguine can be a fun project, combining creativity with a hands-on approach. To create sanguine red chalk sticks, gather these materials:
Natural Red Pigment: Look for red earth pigments (red ocher) at art supply stores, or hunt down and grind your own.
Binder: Common options include powder chalk, plaster of Paris and gum Arabic.
Water: For desired consistency.
Steps to Make Sanguine
Mixing: In a bowl, combine approximately 2 parts red pigment to 1 part binder. Gradually add water, mixing until the texture is thick yet workable.
Shaping: Shape the mixture into sticks or molds. Alternatively, flatten it with a rolling pin for desired thickness.
Drying: Allow the sticks to dry completely for several days to become firm and solid.
This DIY project enhances artistic skills and opens up new depths of understanding about pigments, sanguine's properties and its historical allure.
Facts About Sanguine
In natural form it's used as a drawing medium since prehistoric times, with red ochre common in ancient cave paintings.
Sanguine is often associated with the warm, rich tones found in flesh, making it a preferred choice for life drawing.
In addition to being used for sketches, sanguine has also been incorporated into finished works, including oil paintings and mixed media.
Historical Artists: Other notable artists like Degas and the Impressionists also prefer sanguine, incorporating it into their drawings.
Color Variations: While traditional sanguine showcases reddish-brown tones, it's foundin all the earth colors such as gold, burnt orange and tan.
Eco-Friendly Choice: Being a natural material, sanguine aligns with the growing movement towards sustainable art supplies.
Surface Versatility: Sanguine can be applied to various surfaces, including textured paper, inviting endless creative possibilities.
Durability: Finished sanguine drawings, especially when fixed, can endure over time, preserving their beauty in any art collection.
Non-Fiction Books:
Fiction Books:
READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series
READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries