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The path of a point that moves through space. It can be described in terms of width, direction,
movement, length, curvature, and even color.
Line
Style of art in which shapes, designs, textures, and colors are presented in a way that may
look unrealistic but that emphasizes moods or feelings. ______ art is characterized by the use of
geometric lines and shapes and bold, bright colors.
Abstract
Created by gluing bits of paper, fabric, scraps, photographs, or other materials to another surface.
Collage
The hue, value, and intensity of an object. The primary _____ are red, yellow, and blue; all examples of this
except white can be created from various blending of these three primaries.
Color
The relationship of the distance of objects in a composition, as in, for example, close up and far
away; the relationship of the size of one part to another or to the whole.
Proportion
A distinct spatial form depicted in two dimensions and created by lines or a change in color,
shading, or materials.
Shape
The outer edge of a two-dimensional shape that is most often defined by line; however an edge
may also be indicated by contrasts of value, texture, color, or a combination of these factors. The outer
edge of a three-dimensional form.
Contour
The interrelation, balance, and organization of all elements of an artwork to achieve a quality of
oneness, or a pleasing sense. (Note: composition can be pleasingly exciting, pleasingly disturbing, and
pleasingly tranquil and so on)
Unity
The relative lightness or darkness of tones or colors. For example, white and yellow have a light
_____; black and violet have a dark _____.
Value
Artful form of writing letters or words with brushes or pens, originated by the Chinese.
Calligraphy
A unit in an artwork that is defined or set apart by a definite contour; sometimes used synonymously
with shape, or used to refer to a shape that is depicted in three rather than two dimensions.
Form
Regular repetition of lines, shapes, colors, or patterns in a work of art.
Rhythm (movement)
Arrangement of design of elements of an artwork to achieve balance, contrast, rhythm,
emphasis, and unity and to make it an effective expression of the artist’s idea. The term also refers
generally to any work of art.
Composition
Parts of an artwork that lie in the distance and appear to be behind objects in the foreground.
Background
Significant degrees of difference between lines, colors, shapes, values, forms, and/or textures.
Contrast
The visual or actual area within and around shapes and forms. The positive of this defines the contents
of a shape or form, and is bound by edges or surfaces. The negative of this refers to the “empty” area
surrounding a shape or form, and also helps to define the boundaries of a shape or form.
Space
Shading done by drawing closely set parallel lines that crisscross. __________ is used to show contrast between light and shadow in drawings, paintings, and engravings.
Cross-hatching
The arrangement of elements in a work of art in one of three ways: perfect symmetry (formal
_____), in which every element in the work is perfectly __________ against every other element;
asymmetry (informal _____), in which there is no one-to-one, every correspondence of elements; and
radial (from the center) in which elements are _______ around a center, as in a circular mandala design.
Balance
Straight lines or a series of parallel lines moving across the surface of a three-dimensional object, from ones outside edge of the object to the other.
Cross-contour
Pertaining to the artistic and beautiful; a perception that something pleases the eye.
Aesthetic
The look and feel of a surface, which may be described in such terms as rough, smooth, hard,
soft, scratchy, silky, fine, coarse, and so on.
Texture
A term that comes from the Italian word which means light and dark. In art, it refers to the
technique of applying subtly blended shades of gray to imitate the varying intensities of light and
shadow that occur when light is directed toward and reflected off three-dimensional forms.
Chiaroscuro
Way of showing depth and distance in a painting by using fading colors and hazy details to indicate objects in the distance.
Atmospheric perspective
The assortment of lines, colors, forms, shapes, or textures in a work of art.
Variety
The accent, stress, or importance of a part of an artwork. Opposing sizes, shapes, and lines.
Contrasting colors, closer detail, and intense, bright color are all used to __________, or draw attention
to, certain areas or objects in a work of art.
Emphasis