Art

Question 1

Perspective

Answer 1

The art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give a realistic impression
A technique for giving an illusion of space to a flat surface

Question 2

Empirical (useful) perspective

Answer 2

A system of perspective that, unlike linear perspective, relies on direct observation rather than a system of rules

Question 3

Linear perspective

Answer 3

A system for representing deep space from a single point of view, it is based on the premise that things that are close appear larger than those things that are farther away. Lines will converge systematically to a vanishing point

Question 4

Atmospheric perspective

Answer 4

A means for achieving the illusion of three dimensional space in a pictorial work of art. Sometimes called areal perspective, it is based on the fact that as object recede into the distance, their clarity of definition and surface contrast diminish appreciably

Question 5

Horizon line

Answer 5

The line formed by the apparent intersection of the plane established by the eye level with the ground plane. Often described as synonymous with eye level. There is only ever one horizon line

Question 6

Vanishing point

Answer 6

The point at which lines converge in a drawing

Question 7

Foreshortening

Answer 7

A technique for producing the illusion of an object’s extension into space by contracting its form

Question 8

One-point perspective

Answer 8

Linear perspective with just one vanishing point typically in the center of the scene

Question 9

Multi-point perspective

Answer 9

A scene could have multiple vanishing points depending on the complexity of the subject, and the vantage point from which it is viewed. In third point perspective there are two vanishing points on the horizon and one either below or above the horizon

Question 10

Ground plane

Answer 10

The horizontal surface below the horizon.

Question 11

Orthogonal lines

Answer 11

Lines which are directed toward a vanishing point

Orthogonal means right angle; refers to right angles formed by lines such as the corner of a cube shown in perspective

Question 12

Transversal lines

Answer 12

Refer to upright, vertical objects. If we are viewing frontally, they will run straight up and down and not meet a vanishing point.

Question 13

Picture plane

Answer 13

The actual flat surface, or opaque pane, on which a drawing is produced. Also refers to the imaginary construct of a transparent plane that always remains parallel to the vertical plane of the artist’s face. The artist draws on paper what he or she sees beyond the plane as though the view were flattened on the plane

Question 14

Foreground

Answer 14

The closest zone of space in a three-dimensional illusion

Question 15

Middle ground

Answer 15

The intermediate zone of space in a three dimensional illusion

Question 16

Background

Answer 16

The area that sits behind, or supports, the subjects

Question 17

Sighting

Answer 17

The visual measurements of objects and spaces between objects.

Question 18

Composition

Answer 18

The placement or arrangement of visual elements or ‘ingredients’ in a work of art, as distinct from the subject (what is being depicted). It can also be thought of as the organization of the elements of art

Question 19

Framing

Answer 19

Draws attention to a particular part of your composition

Question 20

Closed composition

Answer 20

Visual containment of form and structure within a picture plane

Question 21

Open composition

Answer 21

The visual impact of forms and structures appearing unrelated to the paper size, seemingly unlimited by its outer edges and exceeding the boundaries of picture plane

Question 22

Positive shape

Answer 22

The shape of an object that serves as the subject for a drawing. The relationship between positive shape and negative shape is sometimes called figure/field, gigure ground, foreground background

Question 23

Negative space

Answer 23

The space surrounding a positive shape, sometimes referred to as ground, empty space, interspace, field, or void

Question 24

Figure

Answer 24

The representation of a recognizeabe object or non-representational shape which may be readily distinguished from its visual context in a drawing

Question 25

Figure-ground

Answer 25

Compositional circumstance in which figurative elements read as positive shapes and project forward from the negative space or background

Question 26

Figure ground shift

Answer 26

A type of ambiguous space that combines aspects of interspace and positive-negative reversals. It is characterized by “active” or somewhat volumetric negative areas and by the perception that virtually all the shapes are slipping, or shifting, in and out of positive (figure) and negative (ground) identities.

Question 27

Gesture drawing

Answer 27

A rapid sizing up of the primary physical and expressive attitudes of an object or spaceDetails are ignored in favour of a subject’s basic visual character.

Question 28

Gestural approach

Answer 28

A quick, all-encompassing statement of forms; the hand duplicates the movement of the eyes

Question 29

Rapid gesture

Answer 29

A complex of gestural marks used to express the weight and density of the form

Question 30

Sustained gesture

Answer 30

A type of gesture drawing beginning with a quick notation of the subject and extending into longer analysis and correction