What is the common practice when using chiaroscuro in visual arts?

Chiaroscuro is a technique used in visual arts that emphasizes the stark contrast between light and dark areas, creating a dramatic effect and enhancing the sense of volume and three-dimensionality in a two-dimensional work. This practice allows artists to model forms realistically, as the interplay of light and shadow can suggest depth and spatial relationships.

By manipulating light and dark values, artists can draw attention to specific elements in their composition, guiding the viewer’s eye and creating a more dynamic and engaging visual experience. This technique has been prominently used by many artists throughout history, particularly during the Renaissance, and has become a hallmark of numerous artistic styles.

Choices that involve using multiple colors, geometric shapes, or focusing solely on monochromatic tones do not align with the core principle of chiaroscuro, which centers around the interplay of light and shadow rather than the manipulation of color or shape in isolation.