Final answer:
Oil painting was a significant advancement in art during the Renaissance period, with artists using powdered pigment and glazes to create depth and realistic textures. The technique was first used by Flemish painter Jan van Eyck and later perfected by Italian artists like Giovanni Bellini.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oil painting was one of the most significant advancements made in art during the Renaissance period. Artists in the North, particularly Flemish painter Jan van Eyck, first began using powdered pigment and thin layers of paint called glazes to create a depth of color and realistic textures. The Italians, such as Giovanni Bellini, perfected the technique and used oil paint extensively. Oil paint was favored over tempera paint because it could imitate textures better and create a more realistic illusion in paintings.