2D Vocab Flashcards
Figure
in a 2d work, an image which appears to be somewhat closer to the viewer than the background
Ground
the area that appears farthest form the viewer (background/field), the initial surface of a 2d design
Figure-Ground Reversal
a composition in which it is difficult to tell which is figure and which is ground
Shape
closed two dimensional figure possessing height and width
Form
a closed two dimensional figure possessing height and width, and implying depth
Negative Space
the unoccupied area of a composition
Negative Shape
the unoccupied area of a composition that appears as a shape in the viewer’s mind
Implied Line
lines that do not exist on a surface but are created or completed in the mind of the viewer
Value
the degree of lightness or darkness of a surface (tone)
Value Contrast
the degree of difference between light and dark areas (high/low)
Optical Mixture
the illusion of mid-tones created through the juxtaposition of light and dark areas
Balance
distribution of the visual weight of design elements in a composition
Asymmetrical Balance
the use of figures of differing visual weights to create an overall impression of balance (informal balance)
Symmetrical Balance
formal placement of identical figures on either side of an imaginary central line (formal balance)
Visual Tension
term of composition used to denote strain or pull in the relationship between design elements in a work of art
Visual Weight
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
Emphasis
drawing significant attention to a portion of a composition
Accent
when a visual element stands out slightly
Focal Point
the area of a composition towards which the viewer’s eye is drawn most compellingly
Picture Plane
In a 2d work, the flat surface having only height and width
Viewing Angle
the controlling position the viewer gives the work; the angle relative to the viewer that a given visual element in the composition is represented
Viewing Distance
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
Cropping
showing only part of an image, giving enough information that viewers can mentally complete it
Overlapping
obscuring of part of an image by another that seems to lie between it and the viewer
Abutting
shapes which touch one another (share a common edge)
Interlocking
shapes which appear to fit into on another like a jigsaw puzzle
Scale
the size of an element relative to it’s surroundings
Pictorial
an 2d image which possesses the illusion of three-dimensionality
Linear Perspective
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.
Rhythm
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
Repitition
use of similar lines, shapes, forms, textures, values or colors to unify design
Pattern
a coherent visual structure usually created through the repetition of similar design elements
Harmony
pleasing arrangement of elements of design in a work of art
Variety
variations on a theme or strong contrasts in a design, used to create interest
Gesture
the attitude or expression of movement in a design
Non-Objective Art
art that is not a representation of any particular object from the world of our experience
Abstract Art
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
Kinesthesia
a physical (visceral) response to a visual stimulus
