Heightening
Heightening is a brightening technique often used in drawing which allows the artist to brighten and intensify the image to bring out important features and to give an illusion of light and depth. In chalk or pastel drawings and sketches Chinese white is often used to heighten a picture as it provides a good contrast.
King George IV
by H. de Janvry
1793
NPG 1761
'Beeching Special'
by Sir David Low
circa 1962
NPG 5348
Mr Fox and his Friends
by William Lane
circa 1813
NPG 2076
Edward Charles Grenfell, 1st Baron St Just
by Fred May
probably 1930s
NPG D18479
Sir (William) Guy Granet
by Fred May
1935
NPG 6207
Frank Charlton; Thomas Rome
by Fred May
published 22 May 1935
NPG D7980
Geoffrey Palmer
by Stuart Pearson Wright
2004-2005
NPG 6755
Jeremy Irons
by Stuart Pearson Wright
2005
NPG 6752