Visual Art Terms

Abstract art. Works in which objects, people, and/or places are depicted in simplified arrangements of shapes, lines, textures, and/or colors. Abstract art may or may not bear a resemblance to its subject.

Aesthetic inquiry. The acts of describing and evaluating the media,processes, and meanings of works of visual art and of making comparative judgments.

Aesthetics. A branch of philosophy that focuses on the nature of beauty, the value of art, and the human responses to those topics.

Analysis. The process of identifying and examining separate parts as they function independently and together in creative works and studies of the visual arts.

Balance. A principle of design that refers to the equalization of elements in a work of art. Balance may be symmetrical (formal), asymmetrical (informal), or radial.

Basic components. The elements of art and the principles of design.

Color. An element of art derived from reflected light. The sensation of colors aroused in the human mind as vision responds to various wavelengths of light. The three properties of color are hue, value, and intensity.

Composition. Elements organized in a work of art to create a unified whole.

Craftsmanship. The skills, knowledge, and dexterity involved in creating works of art. Generally refers to skill in producing expertly finished products; fine workmanship.

Elements of art. The visual components of color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value.

Emphasis. A principle of design by which the artist may use opposing sizes and/or shapes, contrasting colors, or other means to place greater attention on certain areas or objects in a work of art.

Expressive features. Components of works of art that affect such emotions as anger, sadness, and joy.

Form. An element of art that is three-dimensional and encloses volume (as in a cube, a sphere, a pyramid, or a cylinder). Form may also be free flowing.

Four steps of art criticism. Description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation.

Line. An element of art defined by a point moving in space. Line may be two-or three-dimensional, descriptive, implied, or abstract.

Materials. Resources used in the creation of the visual arts (for example, paint, clay, paper, canvas, film, videotape, watercolors, wood, and plastics).

Media. Broad categories for grouping works of visual art according the materials used (for example, the painting media are watercolor, oil,tempera, and acrylic, among others).

Movement. A principle of design referring to the arrangement of parts in a work of art that draws the eye over the composition.

Nonobjective art. Works that contain no reference to recognizable subjects; nonrepresentational.

Principles of design. Balance, emphasis, movement, proportion, rhythm, unity, and variety; the means an artist uses to organize elements within a work of art.

Process. A sequential learning operation involving a number of methods or techniques (for example, the carving process in sculpture, the etching process in printmaking, or the casting process in jewelry making).

Proficiency. Mastery; the state of being adept or well-advanced in knowledge or skill.

Proportion. A principle of design that refers to the relative size of the parts of a work of art.

Realism. A style of art in which works closely resemble forms in the natural world. Realism is characterized by the use of the colors, textures, shadows, and formal arrangements of the actual subjects.

Representational art. Works whose subjects are recognizable.

Rhythm. A principle of design that indicates movement, often achieved by repetition of shapes and/or colors.

Shape. An element of art characterized by a two-dimensional enclosed area or plane. Shapes can be geometric or organic.

Space. An element of art by which positive and negative areas are defined or a sense of depth achieved in a work of art .

Style. A recognized manner of expression associated with a particular culture or school of art.

Synthesize. To combine separate elements or ideas to form something new.

Technique. A specific method or system of working with materials (for example, by carving wood, developing film, or weaving yarn).

Texture. An element of art that refers to surface quality: rough or smooth. Texture can be actual or simulated (implied).

Three-dimensional. Having three dimensions: height, width, and depth.

Tools. The instruments and equipment students use to create and learn about art. Some examples are brushes, scissors, cameras, and computers.

Two-dimensional. Having two dimensions: height and width.

Unity. A principle of design that relates to the sense of oneness or wholeness in a work of art.

Value. An element of art that relates to the lightness and darkness of a color or tone. Value can be used to show contrast and depth.

Variety. A principle of design concerned with diversity or contrast. Variety is achieved by using different shapes, sizes, and/or colors in a work of art.