Basic Art Vocabulary
Elements of Design: the basic visual components used as part of any composition.
· Point: a visible impression or mark/dot on a surface. Mark applies to any art material we use on any surface, not only paint on canvas or pencil on paper.
· Line: the path of a moving point. It can define a shape, create an outline or pattern, imply movement or texture and allude to mass or volume.
· Shape: an enclosed space, the boundaries of which are defined by other elements of art (i.e.: lines, colors, values, textures, etc.) in a 2 dimensional form. Shapes can be geometric or organic.
· Form: a three-dimensional shape that has height, width and depth; for example, a sphere is a three dimensional version of a circle.
· Space: refers to distances or areas around, between or within components of a piece. Space can be positive or negative.
· Value: refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a color or surface.
· Color: the spectrum of wavelengths of light as perceived by the human eye.
· Texture: is either actual or implied. Actual is how an object’s surface really feels, and implied is a visual simulation of an actual texture.
Principles of Design: concepts used to organize or arrange the elements of design.
· Balance: a feeling of visual equilibrium. It relates to our sense of balance.
· Contrast: means difference and is created by using elements that oppose one another. For example, contrast is created using complementary colors or smooth and rough textures.
· Emphasis: is the point of attraction, or focus, in a piece of art that draws the viewer’s eye. If something in a piece of art has emphasis, it stands out among other shapes, lines, and viewing points of the artwork.
· Proportion: size relations of parts to a whole or to an accepted standard.
· Rhythm: is a visual beat produced by the repetition of elements in such a way as to suggest movement.
· Scale: the size or apparent size of an object seen in relationship to other objects or its environment. Scale can be used to create impact.
· Unity: is the wholeness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of art; the arrangement of elements and principles to create a feeling of completeness.
· Variety: is the quality or state of having different forms or types; the diversity that give a design visual and conceptual interest, notably use of contrast, emphasis, difference in size and color.
Other terms:
· Abstract: referring to the essence rather than the surface of an object, often by stripping away all nonessential characteristics.
· Representational: an image suggestive of an object which actually exists.
· Objective analysis: seeking to evaluate based upon relevant facts, regardless of feelings.
· Subjective analysis: seeking to evaluate based upon feeling and opinion.
· Motif: a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design.
· Perspective: is the technique used to represent three-dimensions on a two-dimensional surface in a way that looks realistic and accurate
