Bright choices for artists - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Bright choices for artists," is a delightful example of subtle wordplay that guides solvers to a specific art supply. The key lies in interpreting the word "bright" in two different ways, a common and satisfying trick in crossword construction.

Clue Analysis

Let's break down the components of this clue:

• "Bright": This adjective is the pivot of the clue. On the surface, it could mean "intelligent" or "clever" choices. However, in the context of art, it more literally refers to colors that are vibrant, vivid, and luminous.
• "choices for artists": This part of the clue clearly directs us to the world of art materials. Artists have many "choices" of media to work with. The plural "choices" also hints that the answer itself might be a plural noun.

Putting it together, we're looking for a plural art medium known for its vibrant colors.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might tackle this clue in a few ways:

1. Brainstorming Art Supplies: Start by listing common materials artists use: paints, pencils, charcoal, chalk, crayons, pastels.
2. Applying the "Bright" Filter: Which of these are particularly known for their "bright" or vibrant qualities? Oil paints and pastels are strong candidates. Crayons also fit, but are often associated more with children's art.
3. Considering the Plural: The clue asks for "choices," suggesting a plural answer. "Paints" is a possibility, but "pastels" fits well.
4. Combining Concepts: The answer is a specific type of pastel. If you have some crossing letters, you might see a pattern emerge. The answer is a compound word that describes the medium's composition, combining a type of binder with the general category of the material.

Background Context

The answer refers to oil pastels, a popular medium for artists. Unlike traditional soft or hard pastels which use a gum or resin binder, oil pastels use a non-drying oil and wax binder. This gives them a distinct, creamy texture similar to a lipstick or a very soft crayon.

Their key characteristic, and the reason they fit this clue so perfectly, is their ability to produce intense, luminous colors. They don't require a fixative and are less powdery than other pastels, making them a versatile choice for both sketching and finished works.

Conclusion

This clue is a well-crafted piece of misdirection. It uses the dual meaning of "bright" to lead solvers from the abstract idea of "smart choices" to the concrete quality of "vibrant colors." Once you make that connection, the world of art supplies opens up, and the answer becomes clear. It's a satisfying solve that rewards a flexible way of thinking.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about materials an artist might use.
2. Hint 2: This medium is known for its vibrant, rich colors.
3. Hint 3: It's a type of crayon-like stick that combines pigment with a binder.
4. Hint 4: The name is a compound word, with the first part indicating the type of binder used.

The answer to the clue "Bright choices for artists" is OILPASTELS.