Which painting technique is known for creating a smoky appearance in art?

The technique known for creating a smoky appearance in art is sfumato. This method involves the delicate and gradual blending of colors and tones, allowing for soft edges and subtle transitions. The term "sfumato" derives from the Italian word "sfumare," which means "to tone down" or "to evaporate." This technique is often employed to produce a more ethereal quality in painting, helping to create depth and a sense of atmosphere.

Sfumato has been notably used by Renaissance artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, to add lifelike qualities to portraits and landscapes. By blurring outlines rather than using sharp lines, this technique allows for a smooth gradation between light and shadow, thereby enhancing the three-dimensionality of forms. In contrast, fresco involves painting on freshly applied wet plaster, resulting in a very different texture and finish, while tempera consists of pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, typically egg yolk, producing a more opaque and defined appearance. Terra cotta refers to a type of earthenware clay that is often used in sculpting rather than painting techniques.