Devotional
The range and interpretation of subjects in different forms of devotional painting express a particular attitude to the relationship between man and God. Early Christian and Buddhist murals, for example, portrayed an all-powerful, remote, and mysterious being, painted as a flat, formalized head or figure whose stern gaze dominated the interiors of temples, churches, and sanctuaries. Christian Last Judgments and Buddhist hell paintings were intended to frighten believers, while subjects such as the Virgin enthroned, the Assumption, and Buddha descending from Paradise sustained their faith with hopes for salvation and rewards of blissful immortality.
Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
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painting - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
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The art of creating pictures using colors, tones, shapes, lines, and textures is called painting. Museums and galleries show the paintings of professional artists. But painting is also a popular form of entertainment and creative expression.
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painting - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
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Art is as varied as the life from which it springs. Each artist portrays different aspects of the world. A great artist is able to take some aspect of life and give it depth and meaning. To do this he or she will make use of the many devices common to painting. These devices include composition (the arrangement of the objects within a picture), color, form, and texture.
The topic painting is discussed at the following external Web sites.
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