Art terms Flashcards
A visual representation that may have little resemblance to the real world. Abstraction can occur through a process of simplification or distortion in an attempt to communicate an essential aspect of a form or concept.
Abstraction
Black, gray, or white with no distinctive hues.
Achromatic.
A color mixing system in which combinations of different wavelengths of light create visual sensations of color.
Additive system.
The perception of less distinct and value contrasts as forms recede into the background. Colors appear to be washed out in the distance or take on the color of the atmosphere. Also called atmospheric perspective.
Aerial perspective.
The branch of philosophy concerned with the beautiful in art and how the viewer experiences it.
Aesthetics.
Occurs after staring at an area of intense color for a certain amount of time and then quickly glancing away toward a white surface, where the complementary color seems to appear.
Afterimage.
A composition that distributes emphasis uniformly throughout the two dimensional surface by repetition of similar elements.
Allover pattern.
A rhythm that consists of successive patterns in which the same elements reappear in a regular order. The motifs alternate consistently with one another to produce a regular and anticipated sequence.
Alternating rhythm.
Obscurity of motif or meaning.
Ambiguity.
A dynamic and dramatic illusionistic effect created when an object is pointed directly at the viewer.
Amplified perspective.
A color scheme that combines several hues located next to each other on the color wheel.
Analogous colors.
A measure of the attributes and relationships of an artwork or design.
Analysis.
Term used to describe an image that has been optically distorted.
Anamorphic.
The implication of movement on a static two dimensional surface caused by the viewer’s past experience with a similar situation.
Anticipated movement.
A decorative style, popular in the 1920’s characterized by its geometric patterns and reflecting the rise of industry and mass production in the early twentieth century.
Art deco.
A late nineteenth century style that emphasized organic shapes
Art nouveau.
An assembly of found objects composed as a piece of sculpture.
Assemblage.
Balance achieved with dissimilar objects that have equal visual weight or equal eye attraction.
Asymmetrical balance.
A line of reference around which a form or composition is balanced.
Axis.
The equilibrium of opposing or interacting forces in a pictorial composition.
Balance.
Balance with respect to a vertical axis.
Bilateral symmetry.
Describes shapes derived from organic or natural forms.
Biomorphic.
A visual device in which most details and the edges of a form are lost in the rapidity of the implied movement.
Blurred outline.
Elegant flowing lines suggestive of writing with an aesthetic value separate from its literal content.
Calligraphy.