Silhouette art is the outline of a subject’s shape filled with black paper. Silhouette artists traditionally work freehand, but some use a profile picture or trace a shadow. The art form was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, but still exists today as a nostalgic keepsake. There is no formal training to become a silhouette artist.
A silhouette is the outline of a subject’s shape with the inside of the outline filled. The most common type of silhouette art is a profile of a person’s face cut out of black paper. A silhouette artist is the person who creates this likeness in a person’s profile.
Traditionally, the silhouette artist works freehand and is able to quickly cut out a person’s image just by looking at their profile. The artist usually cuts the shape from thin black card known as French silhouette paper. Generally, the silhouette is mounted on a lighter colored background.
While there are still artists who work freehand, some silhouette artists work from a person’s profile picture. Others position the subject against a backdrop of bright light and trace the profile shadow to create a pattern. The silhouette can be completed in a variety of colors and use a variety of materials. Also, it can be drawn or painted instead of cut out of paper. Purists claim that silhouettes must be created using French silhouette paper and that the artist must complete a portrait in 90 seconds.
The word silhouette comes from the name of Etienne de Silhouette, France’s finance minister in 1759 under Louis XV and possibly the world’s first silhouette artist. He was fond of paper art and cutting paper portraits in particular. Before photography, these portraits provided an inexpensive alternative to sculptures and paintings and a more practical way to create an image of a person. His name has become synonymous with images on paper. The phrase à la Silhouette has also come to mean any kind of cheap art.
Silhouettes were quite popular in the second half of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century. In a way, the invention of the camera ended the widespread appeal of silhouettes. As photographs became more accessible, silhouettes were no longer considered necessary. Many silhouette artists continued to work at fairs and carnivals, creating quick art pieces for visitors.
Modern silhouette artists can create keepsakes to mark weddings, birthdays or nostalgic portraits of children. Silhouette artists can often be found working at parks or fun fairs. The largest number of silhouette artists are employed by Disneyland, Disney World, Tokyo Disney and Euro Disney.
There is no formal training to become a silhouette artist. Many learn the skill on their own or are taught by a relative. Often, a person can learn from an experienced silhouette artist to perfect the craft.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
