1. Elongated Figures: One of El Greco's most recognizable traits is his tendency to paint figures with elongated limbs, slender bodies, and often exaggerated proportions. This creates a sense of otherworldliness and spirituality, emphasizing the divine and the transcendental.
2. Vibrant Colors: El Greco used bold, often contrasting colors to create a dramatic and emotional impact. His palette includes rich reds, blues, yellows, and greens, often used in swirling, dynamic compositions.
3. Expressive Brushstrokes: El Greco's brushwork is visible and expressive, contributing to the overall sense of dynamism and energy in his paintings. His strokes are often loose and free, creating a sense of movement and emotion.
4. Spiritual Depth: El Greco's work is infused with a deep spirituality, reflecting his strong religious convictions. His paintings often depict biblical scenes and religious figures, emphasizing the spiritual realm and the mystical experience.
5. Mannerism: El Greco is often categorized as a Mannerist artist, a style that emerged in the late Renaissance, characterized by its departure from classical ideals of balance and harmony. Mannerist artists emphasized emotionality, distortion, and a sense of the sublime.
6. Influence of Byzantine Art: His upbringing in Crete, influenced by Byzantine art, is evident in the stylized figures, gold backgrounds, and devotional focus present in his work.
7. Unique Perspective: El Greco's paintings often feature unusual perspectives, sometimes using a bird's eye view or a dramatic foreshortening that adds to the sense of unease and mystery.
Overall, El Greco's style is characterized by its dramatic, emotional, and spiritual nature. It reflects his fascination with the human condition and the spiritual realm, expressed through elongated figures, vibrant colors, expressive brushwork, and unique perspectives. His work continues to captivate and inspire viewers today.