Leonardo da Vinci is well known for evoking subtlety and mystery in his paintings, but only recently did scientists discover a technique he used to accomplish this effect. Apparently, da Vinci layered up to 30 coats of paint on his work, and each layer was no more than a glaze. All together, the 30 layers of paint are still half the thickness of a human hair!
Though impasto (thick, visible layers of paint), is a commonly used painting style today, I think there are contemporary lessons to be learned from this discovery. If you are deliberately painting thickly to accomplish your artistic vision, that's one thing. But if you are using multiple layers of paint to mask imperfections (or lack of substance), then it might be time to look to the old masters and refine your approach.
Interestingly, this discovery was the result of new x-ray technology that can distinguish between paint layers without requiring a sample from the painting. After all, no one wants to gouge a chunk out of the Mona Lisa! Well, maybe Michelangelo would have . . . (a little Art History humor? anyone??)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/16/french-scientists-crack-s_n_649350.html
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