Types of edges

  • Crisp edges, found closer up
  • Soft edges, found further away
  • Jagged edges, commonly found in nature
  • Disappearing edges (e.g. Rose Hilton, Bonnard)

Edges in art eras

  • Impressionism - soft, broken color
  • Surrealism e.g. Magritte - crisp, graphic

How to soften edges

  • Blot with paper towel
  • Try wetting aid, like Helen Frankenthaler (needs to be horizontal)
  • Glazing: transparent layer with glazing medium
  • Scumbling: scrub area with busted brush, dry opaque layer