Glossary+of+Art+Terms

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A
abstract artArt which stresses elements of composition, rather than subject. The subject usually is unidentifiable or, if identifiable has been simplified or rearranged.accentA distinctive feature that accentuates or complements the overall design of a work of art.acrylicPaint composed of pigments bound by acrylic resin, a type of plastic. Acrylic paints are water soluble before they dry.actual textureA texture that can be perceived through the sense of touch.additive sculptureProcess of creating a three-dimensional artwork by adding separate parts to create a whole. Materials could include paper, wood, clay, found objects, metal, etc.aestheticsThe theory of the artistic or the beautiful; pertaining to work philosophically pleasing to the emotional nature of humans.amorphousWithout definite form.analogous colorsColors that are next to each other on the color wheel (for example, yellow, yellow-orange, and orange). Also called related colors; similar or alike.architectStructural design professional who designs buildings and supervises their construction.architectureThe art and science of designing building and other large-scale, aesthetically pleasing, functional structures.armatureA frame made of wire or other materials and used to hold up a sculpture.art criticismProcess of thinking and learning (making discriminating judgments) about a work of art in order to be able to draw informed conclusions about its quality or meaning.art historyStudy of the historical and cultural contexts of art.artifactAn object created by human beings. Most artifacts are originally produced to serve a function. They acquire aesthetic value over time.artist's intentionAn artist's purpose or reason for creating a particular artwork; often difficult to know.artistic elementsVisual properties of color, line, shape, form, texture, and value. Sensory properties are immediately visible in a work of art.artistic perceptionUsing awareness, sensitivity, and intuition to gain insight and knowledge regarding natural and human-made environments.artworkAn object or image resulting from imaginative conception and creation that invokes a feeling of pleasure or another emotional response in the viewer and that may convey meaning.assemblageType of three-dimensional art built by combining and connecting a variety of objects and found materials to create a unified whole.asymmetrical balanceType of balance in which two sides of an artwork are not alike, but carry equal or nearly equal visual weight. Also known as informal balance.AthabascanThe term "Athatbascan" refers to a large family that is represented in Alaska by eleven separate languages. Other Athabascan languages are spoken in western Canada, as well as the southwestern portion of the United States (Navaho and Apache are Athabascan languages)

B
backgroundPart of an artwork that appears to be farthest from the viewer, or in the distance of the scene.balanceThe impression of equilibrium in a pictorial or sculptural composition. Balance can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial. Balance is a principle of design.bird's-eye viewView from above or from a high vantage point.bisqueUnglazed fired ceramic clay.block printingMethod of printing in which a raised design or image is created on a flat surface. The design is covered with ink or color and then paper is pressed onto it.book designerAn artist who designs and creates the layout of a book's cover and its pages.border designDesign that creates a framelike edge around a shape.brayerIn printing, a hand-held rubber roller used to spread ink over a surface. A small hand roller used to spread printmaking ink thinly and evenly.

C
calligraphyThe art of beautiful handwriting, often for decorative purposes.cartoonThe term has two well-defined meanings. Originally a cartoon was a full-scale and detailed preparatory rendering for a painting, tapestry, or fresco. Now a cartoon is a drawing that shows people or things in a humorous situation and that is often accompanied by a caption.carvingCreation of a three-dimensional artwork by cutting away unwanted parts of a block of hard material, such as wood or stone. This is the subtractive method.center of interestPart of an artwork the viewer notices first; most important part of an artwork.ceramic clayType of clay that, after being formed, is fired at a high temperature in a kiln to harden and produce ceramic artworks.cityscapeAn artwork showing a view of a city or skyline.classicalTerm applied to artwork that exhibits the characteristics of ancient Greek and Roman art, such as proportion, balance, and idealized forms and themes.claySubstance found in the earth that is pliable when moist and hardens when baked. Clay is used to create artworks such as sculpture and pottery.close-upPoint of view in which objects in an artwork appear to be very near the viewer.collageA two-dimensional artwork created by arranging and gluing pictures or photographs, or pieces of paper, fabric, or other materials onto a flat surface.colorAlso referred to as hue, color is the appearance of an object created by the quality of light it reflects or emits. Colors all come from the three primaries and black and white. Color has three properties - hue, value, and intensity. The term color can also refer to a paint, dye, pigment, or other substance that imparts color. Color is an element of art.color familyA group of related colors, for example, warm colors and cool colors are color families.color schemeA plan for combining colors in a work of art.color wheelCircular chart that shows primary, secondary, and intermediate colors in an order that illustrates progression through the spectrum and relationships among colors.complementary color schemeColor scheme made from colors that are directly across from one another on the color wheel.complementary colorsColors that are directly across from one another on the color wheel. These colors contrast strongly with one another.composeTo plan or create an artwork so all parts are arranged to make a unified whole.compositionThe arrangement of the elements of art. Composition may also refer to any work of art using the principals of art to create a unified artwork.computer-assisted artArtworks created with the help of computer software.constructTo build or make something by putting materials together; additive art.contextThe varied and interwoven circumstances in which a work of art is or was created. These can include factors that pertain to the artist, the intended function of the work of art, the historical period when the art work was produced and its reception and interpretation at that time.contourOutline of a shape or the surface of a form. A line that represents such an outline.contour lineLines that represent the outer edge and undulating surfaces within a form, such as shapes or wrinkles and folds.contrastDifference between two unlike things, such as a dark color and a light color.converging linesActual or implied lines that move toward one another and conjoin at a point in space.cool colorsGreens, blues, purples, and related colors; cool colors suggest cold and seem to move away from the viewer. Cool colors suggest cool objects, places, and feelings.creativitySimply stated, the ability to create. However the word has connotations of originality, productivity, imagination and innovation.credit lineInformation that accompanies a reproduction of a piece of fine art. It usually includes the artist's name, title of the artwork, date the artwork was completed, medium used, and the artwork's current owner or location.critiqueA close examination; a critical review.cross-hatched linesParallel, crossed lines drawn in more than one direction gradually creating a denser and denser pattern; often used to create a darker value in drawings or printmaking.cultureCustoms, beliefs, arts, and a way of life of a community or a population.curatorAdministrative director of a museum. A person who conducts research for a museum. Curators select artworks among a museum's permanent collection for display and recommend additional artworks for purchase by a museum.

D
depthPerception of spatial distance between objects in a two-dimensional work of art.designThe creative, organized, and methodical arrangement of lines, spaces, colors, shapes, textures, and other elements in an artwork. Also, the act of planning and arranging the parts of an artwork using the principals of design.detailThe small parts of a larger structure, object, or image.dioramaA three-dimensional, often miniature scene. In a diorama, modeled figures are displayed against a realistic, painted background.distanceIn art, the illusion of the third dimension (depth, or near to far) created in a two-dimensional artwork.distortionThe twisting or exaggerating forms from their normal shape, often done to express strong emotion.drawingAn artwork consisting of lines and shapes sketched on paper with materials, such as pencils, pens, chalk, or pastels. Also, the process of creating a line or shape on paper using a drawing implement.

E
earth artType of art in which the completed artwork is made from and becomes an important part of the environment in which it was created. Also called earthwork.elements of artBasic components of an artwork, including line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space.embossingA designed surface in which parts are raised.emphasisRefers to the created center of interest, the place in an artwork where your eye first lands. Emphasis is a principal of design.engraveTo use a sharp tool to carve letters or pictures into hard materials, such as metal or wood. Also called etching.etchingPrintmaking process in which a metal place is coated with wax or a like substance, a design is cut into the coating, and the metal place is submerged in acid. The acid burns the metal long the lines of the designs, creating grooves that hold the ink for printing.exaggerationShowing something in a way that enlarges or overemphasizes its importance.expressTo communicate one's thoughts or feelings through words, gestures, or art.

F
fantasyArt inspired by the creative imagination; unrestrained fancy.femmageType of collage that includes fabric art traditionally made by women.fiber artsArtworks created out of yarn, thread, or cloth (for example, stitchery and weaving).firedHardened by great heat; usually refers to clay. For example, in ceramics clay objects are fired in a kiln.firingProcess of using extreme heat to harden objects made of clay.fixativeA substance that is sprayed over charcoal, pastel, or pencil drawings to make those materials adhere permanently to the paper and to prevent smearing.focusThe central aspect of an image or that which draws the viewers attention.foregroundThe part of an artwork that appears to be nearest the viewer, or in the front of the scene.formForm has depth, length, and width, and resides in space. It is perceived as three-dimensional. Form is an element of art.formal balanceType of balance in which the visual properties or features on both sides of a center line (vertical, horizontal, ore diagonal) are similar or identical. Also known as symmetrical balance.found objectAny item that an artist finds and uses in an artwork. Found objects can be manufactured items, such as clock parts or natural objects, such as tree bark.frescoPainting technique, often used for murals, in which water-based paint is applied to wet plaster. As it dries, the plaster absorbs the paint and the painting becomes part of the wall.functionalSomething that is designed with a specific purpose in mind.

G
galleriesBuildings or areas devoted to the exhibition of artworks for viewing or for sale.geometricTerm used to describe shapes or forms that are mathematically defined or regular in appearance, such as circles, spheres, squares, or cubes (shapes that have names).gesture drawingA drawing done quickly to show main action lines or paths of movement.glazeMelted glass coating fired onto pottery; applied as liquid.graphic artDesign and production of commercial artworks, such as signs, posters, advertisements, book jackets, and computer software.greenwareAny clay form that has not been fired.

H
handbuildingWorking the clay with hands only; coiling, pinching, and slab building are three basic techniques.heritageHistory, culture, and traditions of a group of people.hieroglyphicsSystem of writing, such as that of the ancient Egyptians, that uses pictures or symbols rather than words or letters.horizon lineThe line created in an artwork by the meeting of sky and ground, usually on the viewer's eye level.horizontalMoving straight across rather than up and down. For example, the top edge of a piece of paper is horizontal.hueAnother word for color.

I
illusionAn image that tricks the eye or seems to be something it is not.illustrateTo create or design pictures for books, magazines, or other printed works.illustratorAn artist who creates pictures for books, magazines, or other printed works.imaginaryOf or having to do with the imagination; not realistic.impliedSomething that is suggested or inferred, rather than directly apparent.impressionIndentation in a material. A single copy of a print done in a set.informal balanceType of balance in which two sides of an artwork are not alike but carry equal or nearly equal visual weight. Also known as asymmetrical balance.intensityBrightness or dullness of a color. A color's intensity is highest, or most pure, when it is not mixed with another color. Colors that contain traces of other colors or of black or white have lower intensity.intermediate colorsColors created when a primary color (red, yellow, or blue) is mixed with a secondary color (orange, green, or violet).irregularTerm used to describe shapes and forms that are not geometric. Also known as organic or amorphous (shapes that do not have a name).

K
kilnIn art, an oven which reaches very high temperatures used to harden clay.

L
landscapeAn artwork depicting an outdoor scene or scenery.lineLine is the path of a point moving through space. Lines vary in width, length, direction, color, and degree of curve and can be two-dimensional or implied. Line is an element of art.linear perspectiveTechnique that makes use of line to create the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface. If the lines in an artwork created with this technique are extended, they converge on an imaginary point on an imaginary line that represents the eye level of the viewer. This point is called the vanishing point.loomTool or device used to create fabric by weaving fibers together.

M
mediumMaterial with which an artwork is created (for example, charcoal, pastels, oil paints, or clay). Medium also refers to the technique used to make an artwork, such as painting, sculpture, or etching. (plural - media or mediums)middle groundThe part of an artwork that appears to lie between objects in the foreground and background.mixed mediaAn artwork created by using more than one medium. For example, a collage mixing drawing and painting can be a mixed-media artwork.modelSomeone or something that serves as a subject for an artist. Small replica of another larger object, usually built to scale. Also, to create an artwork by shaping a malleable substance such as clay.modeling clayPlastic material used for making forms. It usually comes in a variety of colors and can be reused since it does not harden. It cannot be fired and should not be used for permanent artworks.monochromeColor scheme limited to different values of one hue. Also, an artwork that is monochromatic.monoprintA single printing made from a plate, after which the plate needs to be reworked in order to pull another monoprint.moodThe feeling or emotion created in a work of art.mosaicAn artwork created by setting tesserae (small pieces of glass, tile, stones, paper, or similar material) into mortar or onto another adhesive background to create a unified pattern or image.motifAn element that is repeated often enough to be an important feature of a design.movementRefers to the suggestion of motion through use of various elements in an artwork.muralA large artwork, usually a painting, applied directly to a wall or ceiling. Murals often appear on or in public buildings.museumAn institution designed for the acquisition, presentation, study, and exhibition of works of artistic, historical, and cultural value.

N
negative spaceAn enclosed empty space which helps define forms and makes an essential contribution to the composition.neutralsTerm used for black, white, tints, and shades of gray. Some designers also consider browns to be neutrals.nonobjectiveStyle of art that does not represent actual objects, scenes, or figures; nonrepresentational.nonrepresentationalTerm used to describe art in which the artist expresses ideas, thoughts, or feelings without depicting a realistic object; nonobjective.

O
objective artRepresentational; has recognizable subjects.oil pastelsOil-based drawing crayon.opaqueNot allowing light to pass through; the opposite of transparent.organicTerm used to describe irregular shapes, particularly those resembling objects found in nature.originalAn artwork that is singular and distinctive from other artworks. Also, the actual, authenticated artwork, rather than a reproduction or copy of it.

P
paintingAn artwork created by using a brush or other tool to apply tempera, watercolor, oil, acrylic, or another kind of paint to a surface. Also, the process of creating an artwork with paint.paletteA flat board on which an artist mixes colors.papier-mâchéProcess of creating forms by covering an armature or other base with strips of paper that have been soaked in watery paste, and then molding the strips. The form hardens as it dries.pastelDrawing tool, similar in shape to a crayon, made from a paste of finely ground pigment. Also refers to a tint of a color.patternRefers to the repetition or recurrence of a design element, exact or varied, which establishes a visual beat. Pattern is a principle of design. Also, a plan or model to be followed when making something.perspectiveTechniques for showing three-dimensional objects or scenes on a flat or nearly flat surface.photographAn image recorded by a camera on film and then printed on photosensitive paper. An image recorded digitally, and read and printed by a computer.photorealismAn international movement in painting and sculpture arising in the late 1960s and early 1970s characterized by the precise, observation of subject matter, such as street scenes or portraits, often taken from actual photographs.pictographA highly simplified symbol of an object or action, i.e., Egyptian hieroglyphics.picture planeA term used to describe the surface of the picture that can be imagined like a plane of glass behind which the elements of the image are arranged. Through the use of various techniques such as perspective and overlapping of objects the artist creates an illusion of depth receding away from the picture plane.pigmentVery fine, colored powder that is mixed with a liquid base such as oil or water to make paint.pinch methodMethod of shaping clay into pottery by pinching, pressing, and pulling it with the fingers and hands.planeA flat surface.plateIn printmaking a piece of flat material, such as metal, stone, clay, or wood, with a design on its surface used to print an impression of the design.portfolioCollection or sampling of an artist's artwork, arranged in a protective cover or folder for review or display.portraitAn artwork that features a person, an animal, or a group of people, usually placing emphasis on the face.positive spaceThe space that a form or shape occupies in an artwork.potteryFunctional objects such as vases, bowls, pots, and dishes that are modeled from wet clay. Pottery is usually fired in a kiln.primary colorsThe three colors (blue, red, and yellow) from which other colors are made. The primary colors cannot be made from other colors.principals of designSet of guidelines for the arrangement of the elements of art. Principals of design include unity, emphasis, balance, proportion/scale, pattern, and rhythm/movement.printAn artwork created by pressing a design onto paper or another flat surface using a block or other object coated with wet color. Multiple copies of a print can often be made by reinking the block and repeating the process. See printmaking.printing blockIn printing, a piece of material, such as clay or wood, into which a design has been carved. Ink or paint is applied to the surface of the block, paper is pressed onto the block, and an impression of the design is created. Also known as a plate.printmakingProcess of creating prints, or multiple copies of a single image, using one of several techniques or media, i.e., a woodcut, an engraving or etching, transfer paper, photograph, or a monoprint.proportionRelationship between the size of a part when compared to that of another part or of the whole. For example, an artist drawing a head will keep in mind the size relationship of the nose to the face, an architect the door to the building. Proportion is a principle of design.

Q
quiltIn art, a bedcover made from two layers of cloth which have been arranged and stitched together in a colorful design. Also, the process of creating a quilt.quiltblockA square, usually of fabric, that is decorated in some way and combined with other quiltblocks to create a quilt.

R
radial balanceA sense of balance created when lines or shapes spread out from a center point in regular patterns.radial designCircular design radiating from a center.rakuA fast firing, spontaneous clay method derived from the Japanese Raku dynasties of potters (1500 to present).realismStyle of art that seeks to reproduce reality exactly, rather than to idealize or interpret them.related colorsColors that are next to each other on the color wheel (for example, yellow, yellow-orange, and orange). Also called analogous colors.relief printA print made by covering a printing block with ink and then pressing paper onto the block.representationalTerm used to describe art that depicts a subject as it appears.reproductionCopy or replica of an original artwork; photograph of print of an artwork.resist mediumMaterial applied to a surface to protect it from liquids such as paint or dye.rhythmRefers to the suggestion of motion or beat through the use of the elements in an artwork. Rhythm is a principle of design.rubbingCopy of a textured or raised surface made by placing paper over the surface and rubbing the paper with chalk, pencil, or crayon.

S
scaleProportional relationship between an object represented in an artwork and the real object. Something drawn 1/3 scale means all parts are drawn 1/3 the size of the original.scoreTo use an instrument to roughen or scratch joints of a clay sculpture prior to joining them. To scratch a line in order to easily bend a paper.scoringInscribing or scratching with a tool in any medium.sculptorAn artist whose primary medium is three-dimensional art or sculpture.sculptureAn artwork made by modeling, carving, casting, or joining materials into a three-dimensional whole. Also, the process of making such an artwork. Clay, wood, stone, and metal are common materials used for sculpture.seascapeAn artwork that represents the sea, ocean, or shore.secondary colorA color created by mixing two primary colors in equal proportions. The secondary colors are orange (made from red and yellow), green (made from blue and yellow), and violet (made from red and blue).self-portraitAn artwork showing a likeness of the artist who created it.sensesThe faculties of hearing, sight, smell, touch, and taste. An artwork may appeal to one or more of the senses.shadeA dark value of a color created by adding black to the color.shadingA way of showing gradual changes in lightness or darkness in an artwork. Shading helps make an artwork appear more three-dimensional.shapeImplies spatial form and is usually perceived as two-dimensional. It is distinguished from its surroundings by its outline. A shape encloses space and can be geometric (such as a circle or square) or organic (having an irregular outline). Shape is an element of art.silhouetteImages showing no interior detail set against a contrasting background.sketchA quick drawing that contains little detail but captures the main features of a subject. A sketch is often used to explore a theme or to plan another, more detailed work.slipCreamlike mixture of clay and water that acts as glue to join scored pieces of clay.spaceRefers to the area in which art is organized. Shapes and forms are defined by the empty space surrounding them (negative space) and by the space they occupy (positive space). Space is an element of art.stencilPiece of paper, cardboard, plastic, or another material with a cutout design; an image is made when paint or ink is applied through the design to a surface underneath.still lifeAn artwork showing an arrangement of inanimate objects.story quiltA quilt showing pictures that tell a story.styleAn artist's unique way of creating is referred to as his/her particular style. Style can also be characteristic of a group of artists, a culture, or a period in time. An artwork's style includes all the features that make it different from or similar to other works.subjectPerson, object, or scene represented in an artwork; the recognizable topic of an artwork.subtractiveRemoving material from the starting form to create a sculpture.subtractive methodProcess of creating a three-dimensional artwork by removing, or subtracting material, as in carving a form from a plaster block.symbolsA form, image, icon, or subject that represents an idea or meaning other than its outward appearance.symmetrical balanceType of balance in which the visual properties or features on both sides of a center line (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) are similar or identical and feels balanced. A human face, for example, is symmetrically balanced (although not identical) along a vertical line. Also known as formal balance.

T
temperaWater-soluble paint, also known as poster paint.textureRefers to the tactile qualities of a surface (actual) or to the visual representation of such surface qualities (implied). Texture is an element of art.themeThe artist's particular interpretation of a broad or abstract topic such as nature, love, or beauty.three-dimensionalA form in space which can be measured in three directions; having height, width, and depth; not flat. Also, the illusion of depth.tintA light value of a color created by adding the color to white.traditionKnowledge, beliefs, or activities handed down from one generation to the next.translucentAllowing the passage of light but not the perception of distinct images.transparentAble to be seen through clearly; the opposite of opaque.two-dimensionalFlat, on one plane; can be measured in two directions.

U
unityAppearance of oneness; it is the design continuity that eliminates confusion. Unity is a principle of design.utilitarian artArt created primarily for a practical purpose. A quilt, for example, can be a utilitarian artwork.

V
valueRelative lightness or darkness of a color and is perceived in terms of contrast. For example, pink is a light value of red, while navy is a dark value of blue. Value is an element of art.vanishing pointIn an artwork using linear perspective, the point at which converging lines meet.varietyUse of different elements of art to add interest to an artwork. Variety is a principle of design.verticalUpright, at right angles to the horizon.viewpointAn angle or side from which an object can be seen or depicted in an artwork.visual textureTexture that is perceived by sight rather than by touch, as in an artwork (implied texture).

W
warm colorsReds, oranges, and yellows; warm colors suggest warmth and seem to move toward the viewer. Warm colors suggest warm objects, places, and feelings.warpIn weaving, fibers stretched vertically on a loom and across which the weft is woven.watercolorPaint composed of a water soluble pigment. A painting with watercolors plays with levels of transparency.weavingProcess of interlacing strands of fiber, such as thread or yarn, on a loom to create a piece of fabric or an artwork.weftIn weaving, fibers woven from side to side and through the warp on a loom.wet on dryA watercolor technique in which a wet paintbrush on dry watercolor paper which causes sharper and dark edged brush strokes.wet on wetA watercolor technique in which the pigment is applied to wet paper resulting in undefined shapes and slightly blurred brush strokes.woodcutA print made by inking a carved block of wood and pressing it onto paper or another flat surface. Piece of wood into which a design is cut and from which prints are made.