Chapter 2 - Visual Communication Flashcards
A long narrow mark. May be created using two forms next to each other. Basic means for recording and symbolizing ideas, observations, and feelings; primary means of visual communication. An extension of a point.
Line
Form geometric shapes can serve as an underlying organizational structure. A line in a composition that is not actually drawn. It maybe slight line of a figure in a composition, or a line along which two shapes align with each other.
Implied Line
Two dimensional or implied two dimensional area defined by line or changes in color. Refers to the expanse within the outline of a two dimensional area or within the outer boundaries of a three dimensional object.
Shape
Such as circles, triangles, and squares tend to be precise and regular. Any shape enclosed by a square or straight or perfectly circular lines. Contrasted with organic shapes.
Geometric shapes
Irregular, often curving or rounded. Seemed relax and more informal than geometric shapes based on natural forms. Resembles any living matter, not drawn with ruler or compass.
Organic shapes
Suggests shapes on a natural form. Shape in a work of art that resembles a living organism or an organic shape.
Biomorphic shape
The two dimensional flat picture surface.
Picture plane
Separate shapes that seem to lie above a background or ground.
Figure
A figure or foreground shape as opposed to a negative ground or background shape.
Positive shape
The background in two dimensional works- the area around and between figures. Also, the surface onto which a paint is applied consisting of sizing plus primer.
Ground
A background or ground shape seen in relation to foreground or figure shapes.
Negative shapes
Visual effect in which what was seen as a positive shape becomes a negative shape.
Figure-ground reversal
Space enclosed or filled by a three dimensional object or figure. The implied space filled by a painted or drawn object or figure
Volume
A self contained or explicitly limited form; having resolved balance of tensions, a sense of calm completeness implying a totality within itself. A sculptural shape that seems to look inward rather than outward.
Closed form
Form in a state of becoming or reaching out.
Open form
Based on the fact that parallel lines or edges appear to converge and objects appear smaller as the distance between them and the viewer increases
Linear perspective
A system for creating an illusion of depth or three dimensional space on a two dimensional surface
Perspective
In linear perspective, the point of view on the horizon line at which lines or edges that are parallel appear to converge
Vanishing point
In linear perspective, the implied or actual line or edge placed on a two dimensional surface to represent the place in nature where the sky meets the horizontal land or water plane.
Horizon line
