Bas-relief images in the interior of the apartment
Relief is a special sculptural technique when a composition is created only partially in the form of a three-dimensional image on a plane. It is considered a separate subspecies of art. About where the relief was first applied, the data was not preserved. It unevenly developed in Ancient Greece, India, Ancient Rome, Egypt and the countries of the Far East. One of the most famous examples of the relief that has survived to this day in a partially destroyed form is the Pergamon Altar of Zeus, now located on the museum island in Berlin.
The monument is a building with a wide staircase and a colonnade, under which a long panoramic relief is located.It depicts separate groups of people, animals and giants that converged in battle. The relief is classified into four types:
Bas-relief. The sculptures protrude less than half above the flat background.
High relief. The sculptures go far beyond the background and sometimes even partially separate from it.
Counter-relief. It is a negative, that is, the composition is not convex, but concave.
Ancreux, or coilanaglyph. On the plane (most often the wall) only the outline of the image is cut out, that is, the composition is as concave as the counter-relief, but its depth is the same everywhere. This type is considered more primitive. Widespread only in ancient Egypt.
Bas-relief in the interior of simple houses was rarely used before. Only very wealthy people, who had real palaces at their disposal, could afford it. More often the bas-relief decorated the exteriors of houses in the Gothic style and the interior decoration of cathedrals and churches. In modern interiors, decorating with such sculptural compositions has become available. The bas-relief can even be created independently. We will talk about the features of such a sophisticated decor and how to make it yourself.
Pros and cons of bas-relief
The bas-relief is made of wood, clay, alabaster, gypsum or stone. The latter method is very laborious and requires a high level of skill from the sculptor, since any mistake cannot be corrected. Bas-reliefs are made of wood by carving, and clay is the most affordable material, which is suitable even for beginners. Modeling was still practiced in school years. Bas-relief products, unlike ordinary sculptures, allow you to maintain a 1: 1 scale and at the same time save on materials. Indeed, clay, for example, for sculpting a person to their full height will require almost 60-70% less than creating a similar full-fledged statue. Previously, any types of reliefs adorned walls and ceilings, and at the same time remained part of them, that is, the composition was static and could not be moved. Now you can make a small bas-relief on a special canvas-stand and move it around the apartment if necessary.
Volumetric compositions are invariably associated with classical styles. Indeed, such a decor would look appropriate in the design of the same name, art nouveau, art nouveau, baroque, rococo, empire. But here we are talking about traditional sculptures, with soft lines and many small, elaborate details. As a rule, people, deities, mythical creatures or complex ornaments appear in the center of the composition. A minimalistic bas-relief will organically pour into the modern style:
City panorama;
Piece of wood;
Volumetric “swirls” of shaken liquid;
Imitation of the “old” layer of decoration or brick under crumbling plaster.
Volumetric images of schools of fish, skates, algae, coral “fields” and fantastic panoramas of Triton possessions are suitable for the marine style. Of course, a novice will not be able to make such compositions the first time without errors. Have to train for a long time and stuff your hand. This is perhaps the main drawback of the bas-relief. It is impossible to create it beautiful without a lot of time spent on teaching the skill of the sculptor. The exception will be only abstract reliefs that are suitable for the same style or minimalism. Unlike decorative painting, bas-reliefs do not need additional highlighting. The backlight perfectly emphasizes every line. This type of decoration is popular for decorating arches, fireplaces, openings and accent walls. With its help, you can correctly mask surface irregularities, hide communication lines or distort the space in an irregularly shaped room.
The bas-relief perfectly emphasizes the peculiarity of ethnic style, regardless of which country the interior is from.
Italian motifs are accentuated by vines and decorative columns or a voluminous landscape from a false window. The Japanese flavor is complemented by a 3D sakura branch dotted with numerous flowers, and Chinese - a dragon with a bared muzzle.Themed elephants on the walls and decorative sculptures of many-armed Hindu deities harmoniously flow into the house with elements traditional for India.
Preparation for work
The bas-reliefs are handmade. Of course, in the market of cheap decorative elements you can buy ready-made stamping from gypsum, but this will not add uniqueness to the design. Before you start working on your first full-fledged composition, you need to fill your hand. It is most convenient to train on clay, plaster or plaster. The materials are plastic and, until completely dry, can correct errors. Plywood with a low wood frame will be used as a canvas. In rare cases, you can create a composition right on the wall. This option is suitable only for those sculptors who are firmly confident in their abilities. Directly on the wall also create large-scale panoramas, which to hang after production on separate canvases will be simply inconvenient. In advance, you also need to make typical forms for repeating elements in order to reduce the complexity of the process.
For example, each berry of a vine is much easier to make in molds. These elements are often made of gypsum, but alabaster is considered the best material. We will talk about where to get the molds later. Instead of a stencil, ordinary cling film will be used. First, it is laid on a solid surface and the outline of the individual elements is drawn. Then the stencil will be applied to the composition and transfer the same shape to an even soft and pliable basis. And now let's start a short, general master class on creating a bas-relief for interior decoration.
DIY bas-relief
To make a bas-relief, first you need to prepare the foundation. In her role, they use "Marseille wax" or simple plaster. With a spatula, the mixture is applied to a wall or plywood canvas.First, they are leveled, and then the relief is attached if necessary (with sponge, foam rubber, crumpled bags or pieces of fabric).
The next step is to transfer the picture from the film stencil to the prepared canvas. The picture is applied to the wall or plywood section and the contour of the picture is pressed into the stucco which has not yet completely hardened. As a result, the primitive sketch is ready. Now you need to give it volume. To do this, mix the sculpting mixture. Alabaster is optimal, since after complete solidification it is not inferior in strength to concrete. But gypsum can crack, crumble and is afraid of water. Dry alabaster is mixed with water immediately before work until smooth. Then they begin to give volume to the printed pattern. This is not done immediately in one fell swoop, but gradually, layer by layer. Deepening can be done by scraping part of the base, or by applying additional “extra” layers to nearby objects. In certain places, elements already made in molds are attached to the canvas. If necessary, if the mass dries quickly, and the work progresses slowly, it must be moistened with water.
When forming parts, not only tools are used, but also the sculptor's fingers. After the work is finished, she is given time to dry. Then the composition is ground using sandpaper, removing excess layers or smoothing out the roughness.
Wall mount
The problems of fixing the bas-relief to the base can be avoided by sculpting it directly on the wall. In other cases, the composition is placed on liquid silicone or a special adhesive. If the relief was modular, then after fixing the joints, they are carefully rubbed with putty. It is not recommended to decorate “flimsy” drywall walls with such decor. The base material must be reliable and strong. They also carefully mask the joints of the bas-relief and the wall. It's important to know. By the way, the modular composition is convenient for beginners.If it fails, any of the terrain components can be replaced without harm to it.
Making a mold for gypsum with your own hands
Molds or molds can be bought in stores, but their range is not as large as desired. In addition, a typical mold will no longer be a unique part of the bas-relief. To make the mold yourself, you first have to make a sample of the element. Technology is the same for all materials, but consider one of the most popular recipes. For him you will need:
Putty;
Water;
PVA glue.
As for the proportions, then 500 gr. putties take 1 tbsp. spoon of glue and 100 gr. water. The mass is kneaded with the gradual addition of liquid. The result should be a material similar in consistency to a cool dough or hard plasticine. Proportions may vary depending on the composition of the putty. Parts and elements are molded from the mass. In the process, you need to pay special attention to flaws that will be transmitted to Moldova. Stucco molding give time to harden. 12 hours will be enough. Then to make the mold, take:
A set of screws;
Pieces of plywood for box assembly;
Liquid silicone.
From plywood, using self-tapping screws, they create a prefabricated box without a top. A sample of the element is placed in it and filled with silicone. Then the composition is given time to harden. After that, the walls of the box are unscrewed so as not to damage the shape, and a specimen is pulled out of its bowels. The silicone mold is ready for reusable use.
In gypsum products, voids in the form of bubbles are often found. They can be modestly inside the element or partially go outside, thereby violating the integrity of the surface and spoiling the appearance. They can additionally be masked with a solution from which the bulk of the bas-relief will be made.
If gypsum is poured into the mold, then in order to avoid sticking, the mold is lubricated with vegetable oil.
Useful Tips
If the sculptor plans to create large details of the bas-relief, then for added stability it is better to use wire. The frame will also simplify the sculpting process. Top bas-relief can be covered with a layer of primer or water-based paint.Such a coating will only give gloss to alabaster, but for a more fragile plaster or sensitive gypsum it will become an additional protection. During operation, it is better to use a professional set of stacks that will help create even the smallest details.
Choose a bas-relief not only for the style, but also for the character of the room. Culinary themes are suitable for the kitchen: voluminous still lifes, floral arrangements or panoramas of ancient cities. The bedroom will organically look stylish images of natural elements: bouquets, trees, animals. In the children's room with the help of the relief, you can create a real fairy tale, and its scenes adorn the entire perimeter of the room.
Professional decorators recommend not using false walls, arches or furniture for zoning small studios. For these purposes, bas-reliefs are perfect, which, combined with color differentiation without unnecessary words, will make it clear where the functional zones are divided.
Bas-reliefs are not so often used in design. It is much easier to paste on the wall with photo wallpaper with the desired image. The complexity of the process scares many. If you have patience, you can find hidden talents in yourself and decorate each room of the apartment with volumetric paintings, making its design original and unique. To be inspired, you can explore the magnificent sculptural patterns adorning the Moscow Bolshoi Theater or numerous houses on the streets of St. Petersburg.
Relief is a special sculptural technique when a composition is created only partially in the form of a three-dimensional image on a plane. It is considered a separate subspecies of art. About where the relief was first applied, the data was not preserved. It unevenly developed in Ancient Greece, India, Ancient Rome, Egypt and the countries of the Far East. One of the most famous examples of the relief that has survived to this day in a partially destroyed form is the Pergamon Altar of Zeus, now located on the museum island in Berlin.
Content
general characteristics
The monument is a building with a wide staircase and a colonnade, under which a long panoramic relief is located.It depicts separate groups of people, animals and giants that converged in battle. The relief is classified into four types:
Bas-relief in the interior of simple houses was rarely used before. Only very wealthy people, who had real palaces at their disposal, could afford it. More often the bas-relief decorated the exteriors of houses in the Gothic style and the interior decoration of cathedrals and churches. In modern interiors, decorating with such sculptural compositions has become available. The bas-relief can even be created independently. We will talk about the features of such a sophisticated decor and how to make it yourself.
Pros and cons of bas-relief
The bas-relief is made of wood, clay, alabaster, gypsum or stone. The latter method is very laborious and requires a high level of skill from the sculptor, since any mistake cannot be corrected. Bas-reliefs are made of wood by carving, and clay is the most affordable material, which is suitable even for beginners. Modeling was still practiced in school years. Bas-relief products, unlike ordinary sculptures, allow you to maintain a 1: 1 scale and at the same time save on materials. Indeed, clay, for example, for sculpting a person to their full height will require almost 60-70% less than creating a similar full-fledged statue. Previously, any types of reliefs adorned walls and ceilings, and at the same time remained part of them, that is, the composition was static and could not be moved. Now you can make a small bas-relief on a special canvas-stand and move it around the apartment if necessary.
Volumetric compositions are invariably associated with classical styles. Indeed, such a decor would look appropriate in the design of the same name, art nouveau, art nouveau, baroque, rococo, empire. But here we are talking about traditional sculptures, with soft lines and many small, elaborate details. As a rule, people, deities, mythical creatures or complex ornaments appear in the center of the composition. A minimalistic bas-relief will organically pour into the modern style:
Volumetric images of schools of fish, skates, algae, coral “fields” and fantastic panoramas of Triton possessions are suitable for the marine style. Of course, a novice will not be able to make such compositions the first time without errors. Have to train for a long time and stuff your hand. This is perhaps the main drawback of the bas-relief. It is impossible to create it beautiful without a lot of time spent on teaching the skill of the sculptor. The exception will be only abstract reliefs that are suitable for the same style or minimalism. Unlike decorative painting, bas-reliefs do not need additional highlighting. The backlight perfectly emphasizes every line. This type of decoration is popular for decorating arches, fireplaces, openings and accent walls. With its help, you can correctly mask surface irregularities, hide communication lines or distort the space in an irregularly shaped room.
Italian motifs are accentuated by vines and decorative columns or a voluminous landscape from a false window. The Japanese flavor is complemented by a 3D sakura branch dotted with numerous flowers, and Chinese - a dragon with a bared muzzle.Themed elephants on the walls and decorative sculptures of many-armed Hindu deities harmoniously flow into the house with elements traditional for India.
Preparation for work
The bas-reliefs are handmade. Of course, in the market of cheap decorative elements you can buy ready-made stamping from gypsum, but this will not add uniqueness to the design. Before you start working on your first full-fledged composition, you need to fill your hand. It is most convenient to train on clay, plaster or plaster. The materials are plastic and, until completely dry, can correct errors. Plywood with a low wood frame will be used as a canvas. In rare cases, you can create a composition right on the wall. This option is suitable only for those sculptors who are firmly confident in their abilities. Directly on the wall also create large-scale panoramas, which to hang after production on separate canvases will be simply inconvenient. In advance, you also need to make typical forms for repeating elements in order to reduce the complexity of the process.
For example, each berry of a vine is much easier to make in molds. These elements are often made of gypsum, but alabaster is considered the best material. We will talk about where to get the molds later. Instead of a stencil, ordinary cling film will be used. First, it is laid on a solid surface and the outline of the individual elements is drawn. Then the stencil will be applied to the composition and transfer the same shape to an even soft and pliable basis. And now let's start a short, general master class on creating a bas-relief for interior decoration.
DIY bas-relief
To make a bas-relief, first you need to prepare the foundation. In her role, they use "Marseille wax" or simple plaster. With a spatula, the mixture is applied to a wall or plywood canvas.First, they are leveled, and then the relief is attached if necessary (with sponge, foam rubber, crumpled bags or pieces of fabric).
The next step is to transfer the picture from the film stencil to the prepared canvas. The picture is applied to the wall or plywood section and the contour of the picture is pressed into the stucco which has not yet completely hardened. As a result, the primitive sketch is ready. Now you need to give it volume. To do this, mix the sculpting mixture. Alabaster is optimal, since after complete solidification it is not inferior in strength to concrete. But gypsum can crack, crumble and is afraid of water. Dry alabaster is mixed with water immediately before work until smooth. Then they begin to give volume to the printed pattern. This is not done immediately in one fell swoop, but gradually, layer by layer. Deepening can be done by scraping part of the base, or by applying additional “extra” layers to nearby objects. In certain places, elements already made in molds are attached to the canvas. If necessary, if the mass dries quickly, and the work progresses slowly, it must be moistened with water.
When forming parts, not only tools are used, but also the sculptor's fingers. After the work is finished, she is given time to dry. Then the composition is ground using sandpaper, removing excess layers or smoothing out the roughness.
Wall mount
The problems of fixing the bas-relief to the base can be avoided by sculpting it directly on the wall. In other cases, the composition is placed on liquid silicone or a special adhesive. If the relief was modular, then after fixing the joints, they are carefully rubbed with putty. It is not recommended to decorate “flimsy” drywall walls with such decor. The base material must be reliable and strong. They also carefully mask the joints of the bas-relief and the wall.
It's important to know. By the way, the modular composition is convenient for beginners.If it fails, any of the terrain components can be replaced without harm to it.
Making a mold for gypsum with your own hands
Molds or molds can be bought in stores, but their range is not as large as desired. In addition, a typical mold will no longer be a unique part of the bas-relief. To make the mold yourself, you first have to make a sample of the element. Technology is the same for all materials, but consider one of the most popular recipes. For him you will need:
As for the proportions, then 500 gr. putties take 1 tbsp. spoon of glue and 100 gr. water. The mass is kneaded with the gradual addition of liquid. The result should be a material similar in consistency to a cool dough or hard plasticine. Proportions may vary depending on the composition of the putty. Parts and elements are molded from the mass. In the process, you need to pay special attention to flaws that will be transmitted to Moldova. Stucco molding give time to harden. 12 hours will be enough. Then to make the mold, take:
From plywood, using self-tapping screws, they create a prefabricated box without a top. A sample of the element is placed in it and filled with silicone. Then the composition is given time to harden. After that, the walls of the box are unscrewed so as not to damage the shape, and a specimen is pulled out of its bowels. The silicone mold is ready for reusable use.
If gypsum is poured into the mold, then in order to avoid sticking, the mold is lubricated with vegetable oil.
Useful Tips
If the sculptor plans to create large details of the bas-relief, then for added stability it is better to use wire. The frame will also simplify the sculpting process. Top bas-relief can be covered with a layer of primer or water-based paint.Such a coating will only give gloss to alabaster, but for a more fragile plaster or sensitive gypsum it will become an additional protection. During operation, it is better to use a professional set of stacks that will help create even the smallest details.
Choose a bas-relief not only for the style, but also for the character of the room. Culinary themes are suitable for the kitchen: voluminous still lifes, floral arrangements or panoramas of ancient cities. The bedroom will organically look stylish images of natural elements: bouquets, trees, animals. In the children's room with the help of the relief, you can create a real fairy tale, and its scenes adorn the entire perimeter of the room.
Professional decorators recommend not using false walls, arches or furniture for zoning small studios. For these purposes, bas-reliefs are perfect, which, combined with color differentiation without unnecessary words, will make it clear where the functional zones are divided.
Bas-reliefs are not so often used in design. It is much easier to paste on the wall with photo wallpaper with the desired image. The complexity of the process scares many. If you have patience, you can find hidden talents in yourself and decorate each room of the apartment with volumetric paintings, making its design original and unique. To be inspired, you can explore the magnificent sculptural patterns adorning the Moscow Bolshoi Theater or numerous houses on the streets of St. Petersburg.