Terminology Flashcards
Form
relates to the “formal” aspects (how art is made)
Composition
- Elements of art
2. Principles of design
Elements of Art
The elements of art are the fundamental properties with which every artist of any kind of visual piece has to grapple with.
Line
an identifiable path created by a point moving in space. It is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often define the edges of a form. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. Lines define space, and may be visible or implied
Shape
a two- dimensional area that is defined in some way. It is closely related to line, and is often described ans an enclosed line. Shapes may be geometric
Color
an element of art with three properties: Hue, Saturation, and Value
Hue
name of the color itself (primary, secondary, tertiary)
Saturation/ intensity
brightness or dullness of a hue
Value
degree of lightness/ darkness
Contrast/ gradation of value
- Contrast of value separates objects in space
- gradation of value suggests mass and contour of a continuous surface
Complementary colors
colors directly opposite each other on a conventional color wheel. These are colors that are utterly dissimilar to each other, and at many points in art history are considered a kind of visual dissonance
Light
Closely related to color, light can e discussed in several ways: the illusion of light in a two-dimensional artwork
Texture
is the surface quality of an object in three-dimensional art, or the illusion of texture in two-dimensional art. Texture may be actual or simulated
Space
concerns where an object is situated and how it relates to its surroundings
Movement
may be actual movement, as in what are called kinetic sculptures
Repetition
one object or shape repeated
Pattern
a combination of elements or shapes repeated in a recurring and regular arrangement
rhythm
a combination of elements repeated, but with variations
Balance
a sense that the object or composition is stable; includes symmetrical and asymmetrical arrangement
Contrast
a distinct difference between elements of a form or composition, either visually or in subject matter
scale
the size of an object in relationship to another object, including the size relationship between the object and the human body
Proportion
the relative size and parts of a whole (elements within an object)
Directional Force
paths created or implied within an artwork that lead the eye through the composition
Unity
harmony, similar elements within an artwork, a sense of wholeness
Variety
contrasting elements within the composition that add interest
Emphasis
an area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point
Subordination
the toning down of other composition elements in order to bring attention to the focal point
material
all the things the artist used to make the artwork as well as the medium
Technique
tells how the materials and media were applied
