Painting in Stone

Synopsis

A sweeping history of premodern architecture told through the material of stone

Spanning almost five millennia, Painting in Stone tells a new history of premodern architecture through the material of precious stone. Lavishly illustrated examples include the synthetic gems used to simulate Sumerian and Egyptian heavens; the marble temples and mansions of Greece and Rome; the painted palaces and polychrome marble chapels of early modern Italy; and the multimedia revival in 19th-century England. Poetry, the lens for understanding costly marbles as an artistic medium, summoned a spectrum of imaginative associations and responses, from princes and patriarchs to the populace. Three salient themes sustained this "lithic imagination": marbles as images of their own elemental substance according to premodern concepts of matter and geology; the perceived indwelling of astral light in earthly stones; and the enduring belief that colored marbles exhibited a form of natural-or divine-painting, thanks to their vivacious veining, rainbow palette, and chance images.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Basics of Stone Painting

* Explains the materials and techniques used in stone painting.
* Provides guidance on choosing stones, preparing them, and selecting brushes and paints.
* Example: Preparing a smooth river rock for painting by washing it thoroughly and sanding any rough edges.

Chapter 2: Simple Designs for Beginners

* Introduces simple painting techniques for creating lines, dots, and basic shapes.
* Offers step-by-step instructions for painting flowers, butterflies, and other beginner-friendly designs.
* Example: Painting a polka dot pattern on a small pebble using a fine-tipped brush and acrylic paint.

Chapter 3: Painting Animals and Nature

* Guides readers through painting realistic and stylized animals, birds, insects, and landscapes.
* Provides tips for using different brushstrokes and colors to achieve desired effects.
* Example: Painting a detailed bird on a flat stone, using a thin brush for the outline and larger brushes for the feathers.

Chapter 4: Abstract and Mandala Designs

* Explores techniques for creating abstract art and mandalas on stones.
* Explains the principles of color theory, composition, and repetition.
* Example: Painting a geometric mandala on a large stone using a stencil and multiple colors of acrylic paint.

Chapter 5: Advanced Techniques

* Introduces advanced painting techniques such as glazing, blending, and dry brushing.
* Provides guidance on creating depth, texture, and special effects on painted stones.
* Example: Glazing a painted flower with transparent paint to enhance its colors and create a glowing effect.

Chapter 6: Finishing and Displaying Your Paintings

* Explains how to seal and protect painted stones for durability and display.
* Offers ideas for displaying painted stones in gardens, windowsills, and other creative ways.
* Example: Using a clear sealant spray to protect a painted rock from the elements and showcasing it in a small terrarium.