Topographical Detail

Surface details of abstract paintings can be difficult to discern from photographs. Colours and outlines tend to dominate in flattened images.

People often approach original artworks from multiple angles, gleaning all of the intriguing surface details through the play of light and shadow. Brushstrokes, textures, patinas, metals, iridescence and height-variations are a landscape for the eyes to enjoy. Topographical details can provide additional layers of expression by incorporating the human sense of touch.

Many museums today are creating topographically accurate reproductions of well-known paintings using 3D scanning and printing.

#151, topographical detail

#940, topographical detail