How to Make Gothic Art
The beginning of the Gothic era started in the late 1100s A.D. when the kings of France conquered the south of France and changed the Romanesque architecture to stone roofs and pointy arches. This architectural influence soon found its way into many art mediums, such as paintings, drawings and sculpture. Today, Gothic art embodies anything that is dark and mysterious. Whether you are drawing a picture or creating a sculpture, a Gothic feel begins with dark colors and a gloomy outlook.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Drawing pencils
- Dark charcoal pencils
- Eraser
- Water
- Cup
- Paint brushes
- Black paint
- White paint
- Paper plate for mixing
- Papier-mache paste
- Newspaper
Instructions
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Research the Gothic time period. Look at architecture books and online references for pictures and text featuring and explaining the origin of Gothic art. Figure out what appeals to you by recalling your favorite myths, legends and folk tales.
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Decide what you want to express. Conjure up Gothic images, such as darkness, castles, labyrinths, horrifying events and extreme landscapes, and figure out your theme. Examine death, terrifying and mysterious situations, spooky images and supernatural manifestations. Create your main character, such as an animal, fairy tale beings or spirit.
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Choose your medium. If you are creating a greeting card, for example, you'll want thick card stock and dark pencils and charcoals. When painting, make sure to have equal parts black and white paint, and mix the colors on a paper plate to create eerie shadows and gray skies. Collect your art supplies and place everything within reach before beginning.
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Think about the villain in whatever scene you are creating. Make your art work center around suspense. When using pencils, press down for a darker feel and ease up when shadowing. Use three-dimensional mediums, such as polymer clay, to create human and non-human figures depicting sorrow, anxiety and loss. Papier-mache can be added over clay or base forms to create interesting textures and a sense of intrigue.
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Tips & Warnings
Get inspiration from Gothic-themed novels such as "Jane Eyre" and "The Eve of St. Agnes."
Gothic cartooning, which features distinct wide eyes and ghastly glares, captivates young minds.
Stay away from bright colors or lively images of any kind. Hearts, flowers and sunsets have no place in Gothic art.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
