Art Terms Starter Kit

1. Art Terms Starter Kit Everything you need to know about art…. before you learn about art.

2. Elements of Art • Basic properties of artwork that are perceived through the senses; what you physically see (texture, space, shape, color, tone, line)

3. Texture • The tactile quality of a surface; can be the actual surface or the implied surface (smooth, rough, grainy, oily, etc.)

4. Space • The area provided for a particular purpose; includes the distance around or between things (foreground, background, middle ground) see also perspective Cezanne, Still Life with Fruit Dish Apples and Glass

5. Shape • A two-dimensional area defined by an outline/border. (geometric, organic, open, closed) Biomorphic/Organic Shapes

6. Color • HUE; different wavelengths of electromagnetic energy; the color spectrum (primary, secondary, complimentary, neutrals)

7. Tone/Value • The use of light and dark, shadow and light Escher, Hand with Reflecting Sphere

8. Line • The distance between two points; pertains to the use of marks, outlines, or implied lines, usually to define shape

9. Find the Elements of Art Van Gogh, Starry Night • Texture • Space • Shape • Color • Tone • Line

10. Principles of Art • How elements of art are used in an artwork to create aesthetically pleasing or interesting art (movement, unity, harmony, variety, balance, contrast, proportion, pattern) VS.

11. Movement • Action, the path the viewer’s eye follows through the artwork; the artist controls the viewer’s eye Van Gogh, Starry Night

12. Unity • The concept behind the artwork; how different parts of the work build on each other. Van Gogh, Starry Night

13. Harmony • Using similar elements throughout a work; helps a work appear to be uncomplicated Van Gogh, Starry Night

14. Variety • Using different forms or types, contrast, emphasis, or difference in size/color to create interest Van Gogh, Starry Night

15. Balance • Arranging elements so that no one part of the work overpowers the rest (symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial) Van Gogh, Starry Night

16. Contrast • Using elements in conflict with each other, often with complimentary colors, light/dark, or texture Van Gogh, Starry Night

17. Proportion • The size and quantity of elements within a composition; provides illusion of 3D Van Gogh, Starry Night

18. Pattern/Rhythm • Consistency with color and lines; tends to add movement Van Gogh, Starry Night

19. Medium • Refers to the materials used to make up a work of art

20. Painting • Pigment mixed with a binder (liquid), includes frescoes, illumination, panel painting, canvas painting, handscroll, etc.

21. Photgraphy • Involves the rendering of optical images on light senstive surfaces; typically created with a camera

22. Architecture • Three dimensional art that is highly spatial, functional, and closely bound with development in technology and materials.

23. Sculpture • Three dimensional art that is carved, molded, cast, or assembled; can be freestanding or in relief.

24. Perspective • A technique used to convey pictorial depth or the illusion of recession into space; often used in Western art.

25. Linear Perspective