2D Vocab

Question 1

Figure

Answer 1

in a 2d work, an image which appears to be somewhat closer to the viewer than the background

Question 2

Ground

Answer 2

the area that appears farthest form the viewer (background/field), the initial surface of a 2d design

Question 3

Figure-Ground Reversal

Answer 3

a composition in which it is difficult to tell which is figure and which is ground

Question 4

Shape

Answer 4

closed two dimensional figure possessing height and width

Question 5

Form

Answer 5

a closed two dimensional figure possessing height and width, and implying depth

Question 6

Negative Space

Answer 6

the unoccupied area of a composition

Question 7

Negative Shape

Answer 7

the unoccupied area of a composition that appears as a shape in the viewer’s mind

Question 8

Implied Line

Answer 8

lines that do not exist on a surface but are created or completed in the mind of the viewer

Question 9

Value

Answer 9

the degree of lightness or darkness of a surface (tone)

Question 10

Value Contrast

Answer 10

the degree of difference between light and dark areas (high/low)

Question 11

Optical Mixture

Answer 11

the illusion of mid-tones created through the juxtaposition of light and dark areas

Question 12

Balance

Answer 12

distribution of the visual weight of design elements in a composition

Question 13

Asymmetrical Balance

Answer 13

the use of figures of differing visual weights to create an overall impression of balance (informal balance)

Question 14

Symmetrical Balance

Answer 14

formal placement of identical figures on either side of an imaginary central line (formal balance)

Question 15

Visual Tension

Answer 15

term of composition used to denote strain or pull in the relationship between design elements in a work of art

Question 16

Visual Weight

Answer 16

the illusion of relative weight in a portion of a work of art, identified by the strength with which a visual element attracts the eye

Question 17

Emphasis

Answer 17

drawing significant attention to a portion of a composition

Question 18

Accent

Answer 18

when a visual element stands out slightly

Question 19

Focal Point

Answer 19

the area of a composition towards which the viewer’s eye is drawn most compellingly

Question 20

Picture Plane

Answer 20

In a 2d work, the flat surface having only height and width

Question 21

Viewing Angle

Answer 21

the controlling position the viewer gives the work; the angle relative to the viewer that a given visual element in the composition is represented

Question 22

Viewing Distance

Answer 22

the distance from which an observer looks at a piece of art; the distance at which a given object in a composition appears to be, relative to the viewer/picture plane

Question 23

Cropping

Answer 23

showing only part of an image, giving enough information that viewers can mentally complete it

Question 24

Overlapping

Answer 24

obscuring of part of an image by another that seems to lie between it and the viewer

Question 25

Abutting

Answer 25

shapes which touch one another (share a common edge)

Question 26

Interlocking

Answer 26

shapes which appear to fit into on another like a jigsaw puzzle

Question 27

Scale

Answer 27

the size of an element relative to it’s surroundings

Question 28

Pictorial

Answer 28

an 2d image which possesses the illusion of three-dimensionality

Question 29

Linear Perspective

Answer 29

a formal design system invented in order to describe illusionary space (depth) in a work of art, in which parallel lines appear to converge and meet at a vanishing point on a horizon line.

Question 30

Rhythm

Answer 30

a particular visual beat marking the movement of the viewer’s eye through the composition, often established by repetition of similar or varying design elements

Question 31

Repitition

Answer 31

use of similar lines, shapes, forms, textures, values or colors to unify design

Question 32

Pattern

Answer 32

a coherent visual structure usually created through the repetition of similar design elements

Question 33

Harmony

Answer 33

pleasing arrangement of elements of design in a work of art

Question 34

Variety

Answer 34

variations on a theme or strong contrasts in a design, used to create interest

Question 35

Gesture

Answer 35

the attitude or expression of movement in a design

Question 36

Non-Objective Art

Answer 36

art that is not a representation of any particular object from the world of our experience

Question 37

Abstract Art

Answer 37

an art form in which subjects are simplified, with emphasis on design rather than realism; descriptive of representation of known physical objects with great economy

Question 38

Kinesthesia

Answer 38

a physical (visceral) response to a visual stimulus