Elements of Art
Though it might seem the simplest of the seven, this element comes in many different shapes and sizes. Some consider it a moving point, others a mark with greater length than width. It can be made using a pointed tool like a brush, pen, or even a stick. It can tell us direction, imply motion, and even suggest speed.
What is line?
This term refers to the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, textures, and space. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable.
What is balance?
This period is often given a bad reputation. Until the 19th century it was thought that it was hardly worth studying and that nothing really exciting or noteworthy happened. Because of that, it was given this awful moniker.
What is the Middle Ages/Medieval period?
Until 313 AD, this group met secretly in homes, catacombs, and other less traveled places.
What/Who are the Early Christians?
This set of rules (three words) describe the ways that artists use the elements of art in a work of art.
What is/are the principles of design?
This is a closed line. It can be geometric, like squares and circles; or organic, like free-form or natural shapes. They are flat and can express length and width.
What is/are shape(s)?
This is the part of the design that catches the viewer's attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.
What is emphasis?
Though this period sounds like a reproduction of ancient Roman art and architecture, don't let the name fool you.
What is Romanesque?
Unlike their Greek predecessors, this civilization placed sculpture on the roof of their temples.
What/Who are the Etruscans?
These objects were created to house everything from toe nail clippings to clothing worn during a mysterious and miraculous birth.
What is a reliquary?
These are three-dimensional expressing length, width, and depth. Balls, cylinders, boxes, and pyramids are examples.
What is/are form(s)?
This term refers to a feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.
What is unity or harmony?
This artistic style started in France under the watch of Abbot Suger and is closely associated with the aristocracy and royal court.
What is Gothic?
This group of four ruled the Roman empire. Imagine, it was like having two sets of presidents and vice presidents.
What/Who is the Tetrarchs?
This term refers to a specific kind of painting humble in origins and often found in subterranean passageways used for religious practice.
What is fresco?
This is something reflected off of objects. It has three main characteristics: hue (from which this gets its name according to the specific wavelength of light in the spectrum), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is). It can provoke OR represent mood.
What is color?
This is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. It can create a mood like music or dancing.
What is rhythm?
This period of artistic production and style is characterized by kaleidoscopic mosaics that exhibit more of a conceptional idea or narrative than realistic depiction of its subject.
What is the Byzantine?
This artistic period is often referred to as the apex of cultural sophistication. Artists of every culture study the work created by its artists, though you may have to travel to London to see its best known sculptures that used to grace the pediment of its most important temple.
What is ancient Greece?
These ancestors of ancient Romans were integrated into the Republic and brought with them exceptional skills at creating bronze artwork like The Orator.
Who/What are the Etruscans?
This is the surface quality that can be seen and felt. It can be rough or smooth, soft or hard. It does not always feel the way it looks; for example, a drawing of a porcupine may look prickly, but if you touch the drawing, the paper is still smooth.
What is texture?
This is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. It can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art.
What is movement?
This period of artistic creation is epitomized in small portable objects made for travel.
What is the Early Medieval period/Migration period?
This period of expansion was initiated by Alexander the Great in 336 BCE. By the time of his death 13 years later, the era became known for its cultural diversity and vast territories. Roughly translated, it means "to speak Greek or identify with the Greeks."
What is Hellenism?
This term refers to a period of peace dating from the reign of Augustus to Marcus Aurelius.
What is Pax Romana?