Line
What is a line in art? Give one example.
A line is a mark made by a tool connecting two points; example: contour line around an object.
What are the three primary colors?
Red, blue, yellow.
What does "space" refer to in visual art? Name its two main types.
Space = area in and around objects; positive and negative (or shallow vs. deep).
What is the difference between geometric and organic shapes? Give one example of each.
Geometric (circle, square) vs. organic (leaf, blob).
What does "value" mean in art?
Value = lightness/darkness of tones.
Name and describe the three main types of line direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and how each affects a composition.
Horizontal (calm/stable), Vertical (strong/upright), Diagonal (dynamic/movement).
Define tint and shade. How do you make a tint of a color and a shade of a color?
Tint = color + white; Shade = color + black
Define atmospheric (aerial) perspective and give one way an artist creates it.
Atmospheric perspective = distant objects appear lighter, cooler, and less detailed.
How can positive and negative shapes affect composition? Describe briefly.
Positive = subject shapes; negative = background shapes; both define each other.
What is a value scale and how many steps are commonly used in classroom exercises?
Value scale commonly 9- or 10-step (e.g., white to black with midtones).
How can lines be used to show movement in a drawing? Give one technique.
Use repeating curved lines or blurred overlapping strokes to suggest motion (e.g., motion lines).
What is complementary color pairing? Give one pair and explain how using complements affects contrast.
Complements are opposite on color wheel (e.g., red & green); they increase contrast and make each other appear more vivid.
Explain linear perspective and name the number of vanishing points in one-point and two-point perspective.
Linear perspective uses vanishing points: one-point = 1; two-point = 2.
Name and explain one art exercise that helps students develop creative organic shapes.
Blind contour, continuous-line drawing, or abstract cut-and-paste to invent shapes.
Explain how high contrast in value affects focal point and readability in a composition.
High contrast draws eye to focal point and clarifies shapes.
Explain the difference between contour lines and gesture lines. Which is better for capturing basic proportions quickly?
Contour lines define edges; gesture lines are loose, capturing movement—gesture is better for proportions quickly.
Explain what color temperature is and how warm vs. cool colors can change the mood in an artwork.
Warm (reds, oranges, yellows) feel energetic; cool (blues, greens, purples) feel calm/distant.
How do overlapping and size change help create depth in a composition? Provide a quick sketch idea that students could try.
Overlapping hides parts of objects; smaller objects appear farther—students can draw a row of trees decreasing in size and overlapping.
How can the repetition of shapes create rhythm or pattern in a design? Give a classroom activity idea using cut paper shapes.
Repetition creates rhythm (e.g., alternating triangle and circle border); activity: make repeating pattern borders with colored paper shapes.
Describe an exercise using charcoal to practice smooth value transitions and edge control.
Use compressed charcoal to block in darkest areas, blend with stump for midtones, lift with kneaded eraser for highlights.
Describe how implied lines work and give an example from a famous artwork or everyday scene.
Implied lines are created by alignment of elements (e.g., a row of looking figures directing gaze); example: gaze lines in many Renaissance paintings.
Describe simultaneous contrast and how surrounding colors can change the way a color appears.
Simultaneous contrast: adjacent colors change perception (e.g., gray looks warmer/cooler depending on background).
Describe foreshortening and why it is challenging for artists to draw figures or objects using foreshortening.
Foreshortening shortens an object in perspective toward viewer; challenging due to distortion of proportions.
Analyze how the use of unexpected shape distortion can convey emotion or motion in figure drawing.
Distortion (elongation, compression) can express tension, speed, or emotion.
How would you use value to create the illusion of a transparent object (like glass) versus an opaque object? Include brief step suggestions for a student drawing.
Transparent: preserve bright highlights, use subtle reflected light and softened edges; opaque: strong edges and solid midtones.