Elements of Art
What element describes the path of a moving point through space, often used to define shapes and outlines?
Line
What principle gives a sense of equal visual weight in a composition?
Balance
What is a medium in art?
A medium is the material used to create a work of art (e.g., paint, pencil, clay).
What is the purpose of critiquing artwork?
To reflect on and evaluate artwork so artists can improve and viewers can better understand the work.
Who is responsible for selecting art for exhibits and preserving it in a museum?
Museum Curator – manages art collections, arranges exhibits, and preserves works.
What is the difference between geometric and organic shapes?
Geometric shapes are regular, measurable (like squares, triangles).
Organic shapes are irregular, found in nature (like leaves, clouds).
Which principle refers to differences in elements to create visual interest?
Contrast or Variety
What medium might you use to blend, stipple, and cross-hatch to show value?
Pencil or pen/ink
What are the four steps of art criticism? (List them in order.)
1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
Name two things you should not do when viewing art in a museum.
Don’t use flash photography and don’t touch the artwork.
Which element is defined as the lightness or darkness of a color? What are 4 techniques to show it?
Value is the lightness or darkness of a color.
Techniques include hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and blending.
What’s the term for a part of an artwork that stands out or catches your eye first?
Emphasis
What is the difference between dry media and wet media in art? Give one example of each.
Dry media includes materials that don’t require liquid to use—like pencil, charcoal, or pastels.
Wet media involves liquids—such as ink, watercolor, or acrylic paint.
What do you do during the interpret step of art criticism?
You explain the meaning or message of the artwork—what it might be expressing or how it makes you feel.
What is copyright and how does it protect artists?
Copyright protects artists’ work so others cannot legally copy or distribute it without permission.
What is the difference between positive and negative space?
Positive space is the area the subject occupies. Negative space is the background or space around the subject.
Name and describe three types of balance used in art.
Symmetrical balance – both sides are the same;
Asymmetrical balance – different elements but still balanced visually;
Radial balance - visual balance where elements radiate out from a central point in a circular pattern.
How do you use sharp tools? What 2 things makes a tool dangerous?
Cut away from yourself. Dull tools and broken or tools not in good condition are more dangerous than sharp tools.
What’s the difference between the describe and analyze steps?
Describe = list what you see (colors, subject matter, medium, etc.);
Analyze = discuss how the elements and principles are used (like balance, contrast, texture).
What is the term for creative works that are not protected by copyright law?
Public Domain – artwork not protected by copyright and free to use.
Name the three primary colors and how they are used to create secondary colors.
Primary colors: Red, Blue, Yellow.
Mix them to get secondary colors:
Blue + Yellow = Green
Red + Blue = Purple
Red + Yellow = Orange
Define rhythm in design and how it differs from repetition.
Rhythm uses repetition to create visual movement or flow. Repetition is simply repeating elements; rhythm involves a sense of beat or visual tempo.
What’s the difference between a tint, a shade, and a tone in color mixing?
Tint = color + white
Shade = color + black
Tone = color + gray
During the judge step, what two things are you evaluating about the artwork?
You're evaluating the artwork’s success or quality and giving your opinion about whether it is effective or not.
What are three responsibilities of a museum curator?
1. Organize exhibits
2. Restore or care for art
3. Select or research art for the museum collection.