Thursday, January 20, 2005

Understanding properities of art mediums

Some terms defined..........

Iridescence - A surface displaying a lustrous rainbow-like brightness resembling colors seen on oil slicks. The effect is sometimes produced by some glass, glazes, and textile surfaces. Iridescence may also be seen in changeable colors within a range of hues, as in the feathers of some birds and the wings of some dragonflies and/or butterflies.

Opalescence includes iridescence, however it is best achieved upon a white base.

Opaque - is something that cannot be seen through; the opposite of transparent.

Translucent – a quality that allows some light to pass through, however the opposite side of image is greatly obscured. It is often referred to as a quality that is between transparent and opaque. Materials that may be translucent include glass, papers such as glassine, and some plastics, such as lucite and plexi-glass, and porcelain. But it is important to remember, that it is quite possible for one person to describe something as translucent even if it is merely tinted, and for another to describe it as transparent because it is so easy to see through it clearly. It is a matter of perception.

Transparent – anything transparent simply allows light to pass through so that objects can be clearly seen on the other side; the opposite of opaque. Window glass, cellophane and watercolors are usually transparent. It is quite possible for one person to describe something as translucent if it is merely tinted, and for another to describe it as transparent because it is so easy to see through it clearly.

Opalescence - A white surface having iridescence. this "play of color" is caused by the refraction of white light which occurs in various sized wavelengths. The colors seen depend on the amount of light, size and distance between the spheres, an object’s structure, as well as an art medium used to achieve the desired results.

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