Abstract - to draw from, separate; depiction of the essential content of a thing; nonrepresentational summary drawn from reality *
abstract expressionism - abstract art expressing the artist's emotions toward a subject, medium or painting surface *
academic art - art governed and sanctioned by official rules and standards pertaining to composition, drawing and other art principles; art influenced by academies and universities, with an emphasis on the intellectual component and de-emphasis of the manual labor of art making
*
achromatic - without identifiable spectral hue; black, white, browns, grays *
acid free - non-acidic, pH balanced (paper) resistant to discoloring or yellowing
acrylic - clear plastic binder used in the manufacture of paint and as a casting material in sculpture; acrylic resin
action painting - expressive painting, usually abstract, which records the artist's physical movement in vigorous brushwork, drips and smears, emphasizing the dynamic process of painting itself
*
aerial perspective - atmospheric perspective; illusion of depth in a scene caused by a reduction of detail and the use of cool, muted background colors to suggest atmospheric haze *
aesthetic - philosophy of the nature of beauty and art, and the nature of human sensory responses toward, and interpretation of, such qualities
afterimage - visual sensation which persists after directly gazing at then looking away from an image
agitron - wiggly lines indicating that something is shaking in cartoons; see: symbolia
airbrush - application of a fine spray of paint or dye with an atomizer powered by compressed air; compare spray paint
alla prima - at the first, a painting, usually oil, executed in one sitting working wet paint into wet paint *
allegory - narrative image in which pictorial elements indicate meanings and associations that lie outside the image itself; picture with two meanings, one literal and one symbolic; extended metaphor *
analogous colors - colors next to each other on the color wheel; harmonious colors predominant in a painting; blue/blue-violet, yellow/orange/red-orange etc.
*
anamorphous - depicted object that appears distorted when viewed head-on, but becomes recognizable when viewed from a certain angle or with a special viewing device
animation - production of successive positions of images or objects displayed in rapid succession to give the appearance of continuous motion; compare: flip book
antique - made in, or typical of an earlier time; object esteemed for its artistry, beauty, or period of origin, usually with increased value due to age
antiquing - to finish or refinish by glazing, rubbing, striking or otherwise treating a newer object to give it an appearance of age and wear
applied art - design or decoration of functional objects to make them appealing to the eye
applique - put on, cutout decoration fastened to a larger surface; design stenciled to a wall
aquatint - dyed water, etching method in which tones similar to watercolor washes are produced in a print made from the plate so etched
arabesque - gracefully curving linear quality; sinuous, spiraling or undulating line;
design of interlacing lines depicting flowers, vases, fruits, foliage and sometimes figures or animals *
architecture - unifying or coherent form or structure; method or style of building; art or practice of designing and building structures, especially habitable ones *
archival - qualities in an artwork which maximize its physical and chemical stability over time
archive - cached chronological record of an artist's output with informational data
armature - skeletal framework; underlying support structure upon which a sculpture is built or a veneer is applied
art - human effort to imitate, supplement or alter the work of nature; the conscious production or arrangement of colors, forms, movements, or other elements in a manner affecting the sense of beauty; skill arising from the exercise of intuitive faculties, specifically the production of the beautiful in a graphic or plastic medium
art deco - characterized by sharply outlined geometric motifs, bold color and simple curvilinear and angular forms, typically made with synthetic materials
art elements - see: elements of art
artisan - person skilled at a craft or at making utilitarian objects by hand
artist's proof - print authorized and retained by the artist in addition to a limited signed and numbered edition; 'AP 8/20' identifies the eighth in a set of twenty prints authorized as artist proofs
art principles - see: principles of art
atelier - artist's studio or workshop
atmospheric perspective - see: aerial perspective *
avant garde - advance guard, progressive, experimental, innovative art which deviates from traditional or previously accepted ideas or standards, potentially beginning an art movement
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Background - area in a picture which appears to be farthest from the viewer, typically near the horizon
backlit - illuminated by a light behind or at an oblique angle to an object, person or scene *
back-painting - painting on the far side of a transparent surface, as on glass, generally beginning with foreground elements and finishing with the background
baroque - art characterized by dramatic ornamentation, light and shade, turbulent composition and exaggerated emotional, often grotesque expression; illusionism with light, color and movement combined to overwhelm the spectator by direct sensory appeal *
bas relief - sculpture in which contours and forms protrude slightly from a flattened surface, of which they are a part; see: relief
batik - technique of hand-dying fabrics with wax as a dye repellent temporarily covering the parts of a design not to be dyed; the fabric so decorated
bauhaus - build house, integration of art, craft and technology, derived from techniques and materials employed in industrial fabrication, with an emphasis on functional design and mass production; severe but elegant geometric style carried out with minimal means, characterized by rejection of individually executed luxury objects *
beeswax - dull yellow waxy substance secreted by bees, which is friable when warm and stiffens upon cooling
benefactor - one who confers a benefit, especially one who makes a gift or bequest
bilateral symmetry - similarity of form and arrangement on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane; balance or equality in two sides of something *
binder - glue or adhesive which, when mixed with pigment and vehicle, causes paint to adhere to a surface
bird's-eye view - aerial view; vantage point at or near the zenith; view of a scene from a great height, so the horizon line is near or above the top of the work *
black light - invisible ultraviolet or infrared radiation which causes fluorescent materials to emit visible light; invisible light used to take pictures in the dark
blend - gradual transition in hue or tone over a given form or area in a painting; to smoothly mix with no perceptible separation
*
bloom - clouding of a varnished surface caused by entrapment or penetration of water vapor
boneless - color applied in light washes without a drawn outline or structure *
bonsai - art of growing potted dwarfed plants to produce a desired shape or effect
boss - ornamental knoblike protuberance of metal, ivory etc, such as a carved keystone at the intersection of ogives; stone roughly formed and set in place for later carving; to emboss
brayer - rubber roller used to apply a smooth layer of paint or ink to a surface, or for blending large areas
bridge - contraption made to straddle and hover over a painting on a horizontal surface, which serves as an armrest while doing detail work; see: mahlstick
briffits - clouds of dust indicating that a character left in a rush (or is dirty) in cartoons; see: Symbolia
bristol board - heavyweight paper made with laminated layers to achieve a desired thickness; fine pasteboard with a smooth, usually unglazed surface.
broken color - application of color in small brushstrokes that blend optically when viewed from a distance *
brushwork - aesthetic quality of brushstrokes as seen in texture, placement, color etc, revealing the artist's approach, technique or mood; compare: calligraphy *
burnish - to polish a scratched or etched surface with friction, making it smooth, lustrous and nonreceptive of ink
bust - sculpture, usually freestanding, of a person's head, neck, shoulders, upper chest and sometimes upper arms
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Calligraphy - art of fine handwriting or letter forming idealized in the graceful, expressive efficiency of each brushstroke
camouflage - art of disguising or hiding things or oneself to deceive a predator or enemy, as by painted patterns, shape changing or screens of foliage
cancellation print - print made from broken metal plates, or other production plates, at the end of a run to show that the edition is discontinued, the plates being now destroyed; obsolete in digital production
canvas pliers - wide, flat pliers used to grip and stretch a canvas, and wrap it onto a stretcher bar
capture - the act of documenting or recording data in a permanent file, as in a photograph
caricature - artistic representation of a person with ludicrous or gross distortion or exaggeration of distinguishing characteristics; emphasis of salient features in a portrait or character
cartoon - interactive art form in which viewers optimally laugh during the contemplation of a drawing, intended as satire, caricature, or humor; simplistic, unrealistic portrayal
caryatid - draped female figure supporting an entablature
casting - sculpture process in which a molten substance, such as bronze, is poured into a mold then allowed to cool and harden
cast shadow - non-illuminated areas on the dark side of a light-blocking body, showing, by its placement and texture, the direction of a light source, time of day, atmosphere, etc. *
catalogue - list of artworks with dimensions, materials, date of completion, purchasing information etc.
cave - deeply recessed curves from which light is prevented from reflecting back to your eye *
celadon - pale to very pale green; type of ceramic having a pale green glaze
ceramic - pottery, tiles or sculpture made of clay and fired at high temperature
certificate of authenticity - signed document verifying the title, media, dimensions, date and creator of a particular artwork
chevron - v-shaped pattern consisting of stripes meeting at an acute angle, as in architectural fretwork, insignia, etc.
chiaroscuro - clear dark, strong light and shade in a painting or drawing which give an illusion of depth, a dramatic effect or etc. *
chimera - an illusion or fabrication of the mind, especially an unrealizable dream; an imaginary monster compounded of incongruous parts *
chroma - intensity, strength or purity of a color; spectral colors are 'full chroma,' while neutral colors are zero chroma
cicatrix - deliberate scarification caused by the formation of new tissue in the healing process of a wound or infection, such as a brand
cinematography - writing in movement; art or science of motion-picture photography, lighting and camera choices made while recording photographic images in motion
classical art - art adhering to standardized and formalized principles, as seen in balanced composition, naturalistic rendering and separation of figures from an architectural background; art with regularity, simplicity, balance, proportion and controlled emotion *
claymation - animation process using clay figurines that are moved and filmed so as to create lifelike imagery and motion
cliche - trite, stereotyped motif or arrangement *
cloisonnism - painting in which (usually vivid) color areas are separated and defined by blackish, feathered-edged lines; compare: fauvism
cmyk - color model in which all colors are described as a mixture of cyan, magenta, yellow and black; standard four-color process used in color separation offset printing of full-color documents on paper
collage - art made with objects such as drawings, photographs, cloth and twigs glued to a surface
color - hue or combination of hues, from pure to neutral
color separation - artwork split into component plates of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in preparation for printing, each color being printed separately
color wheel - radial diagram of spectral colors arranged in a continuum of gradated wedges, with complementary colors opposite each other
commercial art - artistic work of typically low aesthetic standard, produced for market success, emphasizing skills and subjects useful in business
complementary color - colors directly opposite one another on the color wheel; yellow/violet, blue/orange, red/green; complementary colors yield brown or gray when mixed *
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composition - combination of various art elements into a unified whole
conceptual art - art in which the artist's idea and the viewer's intellectual engagement are more important than the art object itself; art related to concepts or mental conception, an abstract or general idea *
conjure - to bring to mind or raise up visibly behind closed eyes; to picture; see: imagine
conservator - one who preserves and treats artworks to ensure that their physical and chemical state do not decline more than necessary over the course of time; one who intervenes in the aging processes of art
constructivism - in sculpture, an abstract, formal organization of mass and volume reflecting modern technology, characterized by the use of industrial materials and emphasis of a sculpture's relationship to space rather than its solidity
conte crayon - crayon made from (originally) a combination of powdered graphite and clay
content - events, forms, physical detail, and information in a work of art; its meaning and significance *
continuity - in design, shapes arranged so that the line or edge of one shape leads into another, creating unity; uninterrupted succession or continuation of works of art presented in sequence without essential change *
contour - to go around; representation of the edge or outline of a figure or object; a form's boundary
contrast - degree of difference between opposing elements in an artwork such as dark and light, smooth and rough, blue and orange etc.
cool colors - colors whose relative visual temperature makes them seem cool; violet, blue, green *
cool neon - see: electro luminescent wire
copy - reproduction of an artwork, usually done in the same medium
copyright - ©; exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish and sell artistic work
core shadow - darkest part of a shadow, typically in the center; compare: penumbra
craft - artist's technical skill or ability beyond the aesthetic value of a work; artisans' utilitarian products as opposed to works of fine art
crayon - stick of colored wax, charcoal, or chalk used for drawing
craze - to produce minute uniform cracks on a painted or glazed surface
creative - having the ability or power to create, characterized by originality and expressiveness; imaginative
critique - verbal or written evaluation, analysis and judgment of a work of art *
crosshatch - to mark or shade with two series of parallel lines that intersect
cryptogram - occult symbol or representation; message in code or cipher
cubism - multiple views of a subject presented simultaneously in rectilinear and angular shapes and lines; abstract arrangement of geometric forms in which objects appear to merge with the background in tilting lines and planes*
curator - collector of artwork for gallery exhibition; manager, overseer or superintendent of a museum's art collection
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Dada - art which questions the benefits of technology, characterized by the exploitation of accidental and incongruous effects, and by deliberate irrationality, nihilism and negation of traditional artistic values
decal - decalcomania, art or process of transferring pictures or designs from specially prepared paper to another surface; the paper bearing such a picture or design
deckle edge - irregular, untrimmed edge of paper, typically torn along a straight edge
decorative - ornamental; something that adorns, emphasizing beauty over function or expression *
design - organization of formal elements in a work of art to achieve a desired effect; planned arrangement of elements and principles, ideally resulting in unity or harmony *
detail - individual or minute part; intricate, finely wrought decoration or finely rendered part
diagonal recession - in perspective, orthogonal lines receding to an off-center vanishing point *
dichroism - property of a painted or printed color to appear different under different viewing conditions, such as darker or lighter when applied with horizontal or vertical strokes; see metamerism
diorama - three-dimensional representation of a scene which may include a painted background to compliment and embellish the sculptural elements
diptych - a painting in two parts, related in subject and displayed side by side or stacked *
distortion - stretching, curving or constriction of one or more dimensions in the depiction of an object; compare: anamorphous
divine proportion - see: golden mean
dites - diagonal straight lines drawn or painted across flat, clear, reflective srufaces, such as windows and mirrors *
docent - art gallery or museum lecturer, guide or facilitator
documentation - photograph or filming of the existence of an artwork to record its existence, especially temporary art and installations
doodle - aimless or casual scribble, design, or sketch; minor work *
dot painting - painting consisting of hundreds or thousands of dots in symbolic designs which tell a story, likely a 'dreamtime' story about hunting, food gathering, etc; compare: pointillism
double image - painted or drawn figure or object that is identifiable as two separate objects, depending upon the viewer's focus and awareness
drafting - graphical representation of structures, machines, and their component parts that communicates the engineering intent of a technical design to a manufacturer
dream - a series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep *
drop shadow - shadow placed behind an image in graphic design, giving the illusion that the image is hovering near its background *
dry brush - paint applied to a surface with little or no added vehicle or moisture *
dry point - intaglio printmaking process in which lines are scratched directly into a baremetal plate with a steel needle; the resulting print
dye - pigment which dissolves in liquid; application of liquid color to a surface or substance for staining
dye sublimation printing - color print made by heating dyes on the substrate of a printing surface instead of using inks; embedded in a film are dyes corresponding to cyan, magenta, yellow and black, which are heated and vaporized to permeate the surface of the paper before cooling and re-solidifying, as opposed to being laid down as individual dots,
dye transfer - color printing method in which an original transparency is color-separated onto film from which separate negatives are filtered and then projected or contact-printed into separate matrices, which are then brought into registered contact with transfer paper which absorbs the dyes
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Earth tones - neutral-ish muted hues occurring naturally and commonly in earthen materials; made from pigments found in the earth; reddish brown, yellowish gray etc. *
easel painting - painting, typically oil or acrylic, executed on a portable support such as a panel or canvas, as opposed to on paper or a wall
eclectic - combination of elements selected from various styles
edition - a number of multiple prints of a single design in any medium; total number of prints made or approved by an artist, usually signed and numbered consecutively; the size of an art edition consists of the numbered prints plus all outstanding proofs
effigy - representation of a person, especially in sculptural form
egg tempera - paint in which an emulsion of egg with water or oil is used as a medium, producing a durable matte finish
electro luminescent wire - e.l.wire; glow wire; copper wire covered with phosphorus and wrapped with two thin transmitter wires, sealed in a plastic skin; continuous 360-degree light-emitting flexible wire that glows like neon and generates no heat; cool neon
elements of art - visual parts which make up the whole of an artwork; color, line, texture, shape, form, light, scale, dimension, proportion etc.
elevation - geometrical rendition, as of a building, drafted on a flat surface without perspective
ellipse - plane section of a right circular cone that is a closed curve; closed plane curve generated by a point moving in such a way that the sums of its distances from two fixed points is a constant
emanata - straight lines rising from around a character's head indicating surprise in cartoons; see: Symbolia
embellish - to make beautiful, as with ornamental details; decorate *
emblem - design or object representing a quality, type, group, etc; a visible symbol representing an abstract idea
emboss - to make a raised design in relief on a pliable surface by pressing a three-dimensional form into its back side
embroidery - decorative needlework in which designs and pictures are made by stitching with thread, wool, wire, leather or etc. onto a layer of another material
enamel - glossy paint that settles into a smooth coat as it dries, usually opaque, vitreous and fused to the surface of metal, glass, or pottery
encaustic - painting made with pigments, resin and wax, usually beeswax, either melted or in sticks which melt upon contact with a heated surface *
engraving - print made from a metal plate which has been cut into with a steel needle; dry point
erotic art - non pornographic art containing images which may stimulate sexual desire *
etching - print made from a metal plate covered with wax or a similar protective shield which is cut into with a sharp object, then submerged in acid which erodes the areas exposed by the needle, making them receptive to ink *
exhibit - to present to view; to display something for public inspection and appreciation
exhibition - act or instance of exhibiting; something presented to view in a public showing
expressionism - art based on communicating the artist's emotions through brushwork, color, composition etc.*
eye appeal - pretty or pleasing to the eye; appearance of a thing in relation to its actual condition
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Fat - relatively high quantity of oil mixed with a given color, giving a glossy finish
fat over lean - concept and practice of using more oil medium with each successive paint layer to retard drying and prevent cracking
fauvism - wild ism, art emphasizing bold, often distorted forms in pure, vivid colors in immediate juxtaposition to one another, with contours usually in marked contrast to the color of the area defined; compare: cloisonnism *
faux finish - false finish, painted imitation of natural or synthetic material, such as fur or bricks
feather - to soften edges of a painted form by thinning them out gradually into small, broken color *
feng shui - flowing water; art or practice of positioning objects based on favorable and unfavorable effects of the flow of subtle energies, electromagnetism, wind etc. in a given location; respect to chi regarding spatial arrangement and orientation
ferrule - metal sleeve used for joining the handle to the bristles of a paintbrush
field independent vision - ability to see objects' properties independently of their environment, such as recognizing a level surface in a tilted room
figurative art - concerning the shape of the human form in drawing, painting etc. *
figure-ground - relationship in an artwork between the principal forms or figures and the background *
figurine - small carved or molded figure; statuette
filigree - ornamental work of fine wires, esp. lacy jeweler's work of scrolls and arabesques; anything very delicate or fanciful
fine art - art created for purely aesthetic expression, communication, or contemplation; painting, sculpture, literature, music; art without function, as opposed to applied art, or craft
finial - sculpted ornamental terminating part, often in the shape of a leaf or flower, at the top of a post, gable, pinnacle etc.
fire and ice - intense red and blue which, when placed next to each other, appear to vibrate or jiggle *
fixative - varnish painted or sprayed on a finished drawing to hold dry pigment particles, such as graphite or charcoal, in place and prevent smudging
flash - ostentatious display; gaudy showiness *
; small additions of contrasting color or value to a painting, with an intent to excite the eye without commanding focus *
flip book - small book, the pages of which are to be viewed sequentially in rapid succession, each page being a time slice showing fractions of an event, which merge together when flipped through rapidly, to produce a film like effect; compare: animation
float - picture framed so as not to be in contact with the glass in front of it or the support behind it; images displayed between two clear sheets of glass
flowing rhythm - visual rhythm created by repeating wavy lines *
fluorescence - emission of electromagnetic radiation, especially of visible light, stimulated in a substance by the absorption of incident radiation and persisting only as long as the stimulating radiation continues; color in its brightest, most vivid state
fluxus - flow, change, dadaistic art embodying spontaneity and humor, experimentation mixed with social and political activism, as in guerilla or street theater; avoidance of limiting art theories and a spurning of pure aesthetic objectives; art emphasizing an artist's personality, actions, and opinions, as opposed to product *
focal point - that part of a work which attracts the first or most attention of the viewer
folk art - regional, traditional works of art made without formal training; see: naïve art
folly - an often extravagant picturesque building erected to suit a fanciful taste; architectural anomaly
flourish - to wield a paintbrush or implement with bold, sweeping, dramatic gestures
fluted - channel, groove or furrow, as on the shaft of a column *
foreground - area of a picture, usually at the bottom, which appears to be closest
to the viewer
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foreshorten - representation of forms on a two-dimensional surface in such a way that the long axis appears to project toward or recede away from the viewer, giving the illusion of proper relative size; to present in condensed form or reduced scope while retaining essential elements
forge - to form metal by heating and hammering, or with a mechanical or hydraulic press with or without heat; furnace or workshop where metals are heated or wrought; smithy
form - element of art that is or appears to be three-dimensional and voluminous with length, width and depth
formal balance - formal symmetry; symmetrical balance; balance achieved through precise arrangement of forms, i.e. by formula
formalism - emphasis on the organization of forms within a work, and a formulaic structure of visual relationships, with a de-emphasis on content
foundry - establishment where the process or art of casting metals is carried out
foxing - brown or yellow patchy discoloration of paper caused by the action of mold on iron salts
fractal - irregular curves or shapes within a mass or form in which any chosen part is similar in shape to a larger or smaller part when magnified or reduced
freehand - by hand without guiding instruments, tracing or other aids
free speech - legal right to publicly express one's opinions and ideas without censorship by a government
freestanding - sculpture standing solidly on the floor needing no stand, hanger or support; typically in the round
fresco - art of painting with watercolors on wet plaster freshlyapplied to a surface right before painting
fretwork - ornamental network or openwork, often in relief, consisting of small straight bars intersecting one another at right or oblique angles; ornamentation of interlocking geometric motif
frieze - decorative band bearing designs, lettering, sculpture etc.
frisket - masking device of paper, film or other material used to shield areas of an artwork from spray, ink, light or other working medium
frontispiece - illustration preceding and usually facing the title page of a book or magazine; principal front of a building or decorated pediment over a portico or window
fugitive - impermanent color prone to fading or mutation
full length portrait - figure painting or drawing which depicts the entire height of the subject, from head to toe and usually beyond *
fumage - technique of singeing wet oil paint after application to create nebulous, smoky textures
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Genre - a category of subject matter, style or medium
genre painting - painting that represents a phase or aspect of common everyday scenes in human life, especially domestic and peasant life; ukiyo-e
geometric - art characterized by straight lines, right angles, circles, triangles or squares in design or motif *
gesso - gypsum, chalk or plaster of Paris mixed with glue and applied to a surface as an absorbent primer for paint, gilding etc.
gestalt - unified whole; configuration, pattern or organized field having specific properties that cannot be derived from the summation of its component parts
gesture drawing - quick sketch capturing the overall movement or position of a figure, object or arrangement *
giclee - inkjet printing process in which colored inks are finely sprayed onto a printing surface; print or reproduction of a digital image, usually scanned into a computer
gilding - paper-thin leaves of metal affixed to a surface to give the effect of solid or inlaid metal
glare - reflection or shine of a harsh uncomfortably brilliant light
glaze - to coat a painted surface with a thinned, semi-transparent color, which modifies the original color; gloss or mat protective coating baked onto clay in high heat
glossy - superficial luster or shine
glyptic - sculpture made from a larger object by the removal of excess material; carved vs. modeled; reductive
golden mean - divine proportion, golden ratio, golden section; proportion globally and historically used by artists, deliberately or not, in the composition of paintings; aesthetically pleasing ratio obtained by dividing a line so that the short segment has the same proportion to the long segment (phi = 1 to 1.618; approx 5:8) as the long segment does to the length of the original line; universal harmonious standard in art and nature; see: phi
gothic - mystery, gloom and horror in a medieval setting; ancient, barbaric, transcendental; exaggerated vertical elongation of form and carved decoration in architecture *
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gouache - watercolor paints made opaque with white paint or chalk *
gradation - smooth transition of shades or tints from one value or hue to another; blend
*
graffiti - scratches, scribbles, paintings, drawings or inscriptions made on a wall or other surface, usually so as to be seen by the public
grand manner - painting which emphasizes and exalts a larger-than-life figure through sumptuous dress, bold posture and/or the simplification and reduction of background elements *
graphics - representation, as a picture, map, or graph, used for illustration; images and words generated by hand or computer; the art or science of drawing a representation of an object on a two-dimensional surface
graphite - soft black lustrous form of carbon used in pencils
grawlix - #*$@%!; sequence of typographical symbols used to represent an unspecified profanity
grayscale - subtraction of color from an artwork, leaving shades of gray to accurately mimic the original values of the work
grisaille - grayness, monochromatic painting in shades of gray often used as an under painting *
ground - foundation or solid surface which receives layers of paint
guild - an association of skilled artists or artisans practicing a common art or craft
gum arabic - water-soluble gum obtained from the acacia tree and used in the manufacture of inks and adhesives
Haitian flag - see: vodou flag
halftone - area along the boundary between shade and light at the curve of a form where shade and light mix visibly; compare: penumbra
hallucination - sensory experience not corresponding to physical reality
hardboard - see: masonite
hard-edge painting - contours and surfaces painted with definite, sharp edges as opposed to open form *
harmony - pleasing and congruous design and execution through which a work of art is united; emphasis of similarities between separate but related parts *
hatching - small, grouped, parallel lines in a drawing or engraving which darken the value of an area
heroic proportions - larger than life, often with the head depicted proportionately smaller *
herringbone - pattern of adjoining vertical rows of slanting lines, forming repeated V and inverted V shapes
hex sign - colorful, typically geometric sign designed to bring good fortune or ward off bad, painted on a wooden disk or directly on the side of a structure
hieroglyphics - pictographic script of conventionalized symbols; hard to decipher or read symbols or figures, as in some graffiti
high art - ideal or plateau of harmony, design, techniques and principles inherent in a work of fine art *
high key - use of pale or light values within a given area or surface *
highlight - point at which an object reflects the most light
hites, vites - straight horizontal or vertical lines (respectively) painted or drawn behind something moving with great speed
hologram - three-dimensional image or photographic record of an interference pattern produced by a split beam of radiation, as of a laser
horizon line - implied or actual line or edge in nature where the sky meets the horizontal land or water at the greatest distance from the viewer
*
hue - a specific, named wavelength of visible light as refracted by a prism such as orange, green, indigo; a pure shade or tint of a spectral color
hygroscopic - readily absorbing moisture, as from the atmosphere
hypnagogic imagery - dream imagery coagulating from dots, swirls and flashes at the beginning of R.E.M. sleep *
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Icon - graphic symbol whose form suggests its meaning or available function; representation or image of a sacred entity
ideogram - written symbol representing an idea or object
ikebana - flower arranging
illusion - see: optical illusion
illustration - design or picture in a book, magazine or other literary medium which explains or complements the text
illustration board - strong, heavy paper or card used as a support for painting, drawing, collage, etc; bristol board made with a close weave
imagination - imagery, formation of a mental image of something neither perceived as real nor present to the senses; ability or tendency to form such images
imbrications - decoration or pattern overlapping in sequence, as shingles or fish scales
impasto - paste, the application of thick layers of paint or pigment to a painting surface; the paint so applied *
impressionism - painting which aims to capture a momentary glimpse of a subject, especially to reproduce changing light effects, and their play on various objects, by applying short, unblended strokes of pure color
India ink - black pigment consisting of lampblack mixed with glue or size and water to make it liquid *
inlay - to adorn with flat pieces of wood or other material set into prepared slots on a surface; to rub, beat, or fuse (as wire) into an incision in metal, wood, or stone; see marquetry
insignia - distinguishing mark or sign of anything
inspiration - in breathe, stimulus or incitement which gives an animating, quickening or exalting influence; divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul
installation - sculpture designed, usually for a specific site, to be set up for viewing by the public and dismantled after viewing
intaglio - cut in; printmaking technique in which lines and areas to be inked and transferred to paper are recessed below the surface of the printing plate; etching, engraving, dry point and aquatint *
intellectual property - legally protected property which stems from the exercise of the mind, such as patented, trademarked, copyrighted and design protected products; product of the human intellect that is unique,novel and has market value
intensity - relative saturation or purity of a hue, on a scale from bright (pure) to dull (mixed with another hue); chroma
interior decoration - art of decorating a room to achieve a certain look, feel, ease of use and harmony with the existing architecture; design field which may include wallpaper, paint, furniture, fixtures and art choices
interior design - manipulation of the architectural integrity of an interior space with consideration of a lifestyle experience through the study of human behavior
intermediate color - see: tertiary color
in the round - sculpture surrounded by 360 degrees of space to be viewed from all sides, freestanding or suspended from above *
iridescence - display of lustrous, changing colors, like those of a rainbow or insect wing *
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Juvenilia - artworks produced during an artist's youth; connotes artistic immaturity *
juxtaposition - relative placement of objects, images and forms within a work of art
Kaleidescope - instrument containing loose bits of colored material, such as plastic or glass, between a flat transparent plate and a mirror so placed that changes in position of the bits of material are reflected in a variety of patterns
kamagraphy - process for copying paintings with a special press and canvas, which reproduces the texture of brushstrokes as well as color
kaolin - fine smooth clay used in ceramics and as a filler or coating for paper and textiles
kiln - furnace used for firing clay or melting metal or glass
kinetic art - art made up of or containing moving parts
kitsch - cheap, sentimental, vulgar, commercial or pretentious art; bad taste; see: schlock
knife painting - technique of applying paint, usually impasto, with a palette knife
Lacquer - clear or colored resinous synthetic coating applied to a surface to impart a sleek, high gloss; see: varnish
lacuna - missing part or gap; small, flaked off section or chip in a painting's surface
laminate - two or more layers of material joined or sandwiched together with heat and/or pressure-activated adhesive; to roll or compress into a thin plate, usually used for covering another material
landscape design - landscape architecture with less training; art of arranging or modifying features of a landscape or urban area for aesthetic or practical purposes with consideration of form, texture, color, line, density and mass
laser - light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation near or within the range of visible light
lean - relatively low quantity of oil mixed with a given color, giving a matte finish
leuco dye - chemically reduced form of a dye, usually white, colorless or weakly colored, which becomes colored by oxidation, for use in carbonless papers, thermal imaging, and security inks.
li - balance and beauty in organic, non-geometrical flowing patterns as seen in wood grain, moving water, flames, marble etc. *
life drawing - drawing, or attempting to draw, an actual scene, model or arrangement as it appears in reality *
lightfast - a color's ability to withstand exposure to daylight and climatic changes without fading; permanence
likeness - resemblance; the quality or state of being like, as in a portrait
limited edition - a specified amount of prints made of an image, after which no more prints are made, usually signed and numbered by the artist
limn - to draw or paint on a surface; to outline in clear sharp detail; illuminate
linear perspective - mathematical system for representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions by means of lines radiating from one or more points combined with horizontal and vertical lines, creating an illusion of volume and depth on a flat surface *
linen - smooth, durable canvas woven from flax threads
liner - brush with long thin bristles used for making fine lines
linocut - linoleum block print; print made from a design carved in relief into a block of linoleum
linseed oil - traditional vehicle and medium pressed from flax seeds and used in oil painting
lite brite - interactive trademarked electric toy with which the user creates a backlit picture by placing multi-colored translucent pegs through opaque black paper illuminated from behind
lithograph - offset printing; print made from a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance on it that has been loaded with ink; one plate is used for each color, as necessary
local color - color of an object unadulterated by accidental influences, as of reflection, shadow, etc.
logo - logogram; symbol or emblem designed to identify a business or company
lost wax - casting process in which a ceramic shell mold is made from a wax sculpture, then the wax is melted out and molten metal, typically bronze, is poured into the cast
loupe - magnifying glass from 2 to 20 power, esp. one intended to fit in the eye socket, for close viewing of slides, photographs, jewelry etc.
low art - decorative and applied arts which cater to popular taste or mass culture
low key - use of dark values within a given area or surface *
luminism - realistic depiction of light, especially dramatic effects of light in particular places, and on given objects and forms *
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Macabre - gruesome, horrifying or ghastly; representing death's grimmer aspects *
macrame - coarse lace or fringe made by knotting threads or cords in a geometrical pattern; art of tying knots in patterns
mahlstick - long light stick with a padded end used to rest and steady the painting hand; see: bridge
mandala - disk, circle; intricate geometric design (usually circular) divided into sections or bearing multiple views of an image to symbolize a system, such as the universe
maquette - a usually small preliminary model made by a sculptor before undertaking a larger work, as of a sculpture or a building
marble - crystallized limestone ranging from granular to compact in texture, polishable to a smooth surface
marine painting - paintings of sea life, oceans, underwater, coastal and harbor scenes *
marquetry - inlaid work of variously colored woods or other materials cut by hand or laser; see: inlay
masonite - bits of shredded wood glued together in panels with their own natural adhesive, lignin
matrix - womb; perforated block or multiple die, in a press or stamping machine, on which the material to be formed is placed
matte - dull finish, non-glossy surface
medium - material used in a work of art; liquid with which dry pigments are mixed to make paint; substance that gives paint viscosity to facilitate its application or achieve a desired effect
metamerism - property of a painted or printed color to appear different under different lighting conditions as, for example, matte or glossy, darker or lighter; see: dichroism
metaphor - depiction of an object or idea in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them *
mezzotint - mezzoprint; tonal engraving process in which an entire plate is made rough to hold ink, then areas are burnished out of the roughened plate to hold less or no ink
middle gray - gray tone exactly midway between black and white
midground - area in a drawing or painting which appears to lie between the foreground and background
mid key - use of medium values within a given area or surface
minimalism - art style in which few elements are used to portray the artist's subject, idea or emotion, often consisting of simple shapes or masses *
mixed media - an artwork made with two or more different types of materials *
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mobile - sculpture, suspended and in the round, with parts that can be set in motion by air currents
mockup- - full-scale structural model built for study, testing or display; working sample (as of a book) for reviewing format, layout and content
model - miniature or simpler representation of something to be made; person or thing that serves as a pattern for an artist, especially by posing; archetype or analogy used to help visualize something (as an atom) not directly observable; sculpting with some plastic material, as clay; to render an illusion of volume on a two-dimensional surface by shading
modulate - to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion; to pass gradually from one state, motif or object to another by means of intermediary shapes or colors or that have some relation to both states
*
moko - ta moko; to strike, to tap; tattoo made in ink and carved into the skin, especially on the face, indicating a wearer's rank, genealogy, tribe and individual traits through a complex language of symbolic designs
monochrome - artwork in which only one hue is used in varying tonal degrees; compare: grisaille *
monoprint - print from an edition made unique through an additional printing process, such as a superimposed monotype
monotype - unique print transferred directly from a wet painting on a glass or metal plate to a printing surface
montage - composition made up of pictures or parts of drawings, paintings, photographs, cinematica etc.
mosaic - small pieces of tessera (colored glass, stone, or ceramic tile) embedded in a background material such as plaster or mortar
motif - repetitive pattern, design or shape predominant in an ouvre or a work of art
mottled - having colored spots or blotches *
muddy - color which appears over mixed and neutralized by excessive manipulation of the paint in its application
mural - painting made directly on a wall or ceiling *
museum paper - acid free sheets of paper between which artworks on paper and art prints may be archivally stored and protected
museum quality - archival quality; processed or prepared to standards necessary for long-term preservation and care; art which appreciates in value or is of public interest
muted color - hue which has been toned down and made into a more neutral or subdued color; non-intense hue *
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Naive art - works of art created in the absence of formal art training, yet appealing for their bright colors, originality and freshness; compare: primitive art *
narrative painting - painting which tells a story or represents key features or events of a story *
naturalism - representational art presenting a subjective interpretation of visual reality while retaining something of the natural appearance of the objects depicted *
needlepoint - embroidered canvas resembling tapestry; lace worked with a needle over a paper pattern
negative shape - background space appearing as a shape between and through foreground shapes and forms
negative space - actual or apparent empty space surrounding three-dimensional forms, or appearing to surround
forms depicted in two dimensions
neon - chemically inert glowing gaseous element
neutral color - achromatic; color not associated with any single hue; black, white, grays, browns, made by mixing complementary hues
newsprint - thin, off-white, acidic paper used for drawing practice with dry media such as charcoal and pastels
n.f.s. - not for sale
nib - sharp point for cutting material or applying color; pen point
noir - black; art with predominantly dark values featuring tough characters and bleak, sleazy settings, possibly suggesting danger
nomography - art of making and using graphs which contain normally three parallel scales graduated for different variables, so that when a straight line connects values of any two, the related value may be read directly from the third at the point intersected by the line
nonrepresentational - art without recognizable objects or reference to anything outside itself *
non-spectral colors - achromatic colors (black, gray and white) and non-rainbow colors such as pink, tan and magenta
nuance - subtle variation of color; expression of delicate shades of meaning, feeling or value *
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Offset printing - printing process in which an inked impression from a plate is first made on a rubber-blanketed cylinder and then transferred to the paper being printed
ogival - distribution curve in which the frequencies are cumulative; diagonal rib of a Gothic vault; pointed arch
oil index - manufacturer's list of each oil color and its relative oil content
one-point perspective - linear perspective with one vanishing point in the composition, typically at the center of the horizon line *
opaque - layer of paint or material through which no light passes
op art - art in which lines, forms and space are organized to give optical illusions, such as the appearance of movement *
open edition - initial run of prints made from an image, plus all proofs and an unspecified number of prints of the same image to be made subsequently
open form - form with broken or feathered contours; objects with non-specific boundaries as opposed hard edges; compare: painterly *
openwork - perforated or pierced work, essentially 2D, showing openings through its substance, as wrought-iron or lace
*
opposite colors - see: complementary colors *
optical color mixture - apparent rather than actual color mixture, produced by interspersing isolated brush strokes or dots of color on a canvas; the implied mixing occurs in the eye of the viewer as opposed to on a palette; see: op art
optical illusion - perception of something actual or apparent in such a way as to misinterpret its true nature; image or scene that deceives the visual system into perceiving something that is not present, or incorrectly perceiving what is present *
organic - curvilinear, irregular or uneven shape, as opposed to geometric shapes; form that is, or could conceivably be, natural *
origami - art of folding paper into shapes representing objects such as flowers, animals, etc.
original print - copy, likeness, or counterpart of an original artwork in which the entire printing process is done by, or under the supervision of, the creator of the original
ormolu - alloy of copper and zinc used to imitate gold; gilded metal, especially brass or bronze
orthogonal - lines, edges and planes in a painting or drawing which are perpendicular to the picture plane and appear to recede into the picture
ouvre - work; entire output of a single artist
overwork - to work too much on, causing muddiness or loss of freshness in brush strokes, or other artistic loss of quality
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Painterly - painting characterized by openness of form, and shapes defined by loose brushwork rather than by hard-edged contours; open form *
palette - tray or surface for mixing paints; chosen colors used in a particular work of art
papier mache - paper softened in liquid paste and molded over a supporting structure, then dried and hardened
parquet - flat patterned work, usually geometric, of wood or inlay, especially for floors
pasteboard - solid paperboard with a paper facing
pastel - ground pigment mixed with gum and formed into a crayon; soft, pale shade of any color
pastiche - work of art that imitates the style of some previous work, artist or period (e.g. deKooning pastiches * * )
patina - greenish or blue-green film formed on copper, brass or bronze surfaces by long exposure or by artificial means, such as the application of acids
patron - one who regularly buys fine art or supports an artist *
pattern - repetitive design composed of elements or objects arranged in a regular or formal manner *
pentimento - reappearance in a painting of an underlying image that was painted over, usually when the outer layers become transparent with age
penumbra - small area of semi-shadow along the edge of a darker shadow
perspective - depiction of scenes or objects in such a way, e.g. by converging lines, (linear perspective) or changes in hue and clarity, (atmospheric perspective), to show them on a two-dimensional format as they might appear in reality *
petroglyph - carving or inscription on a rock surface
phi - Phi with a capital 'P' ( = 1.618033988749895... ); phi with a lower case 'p' is 0.6180339887, the reciprocal of Phi and also Phi minus 1; universal harmonious standard in art and nature; see: golden mean
photography - light writing; art of producing images on sensitized surfaces by the chemical action of light, gamma rays, x-rays or other forms of radiant energy
pictograph - pictorial symbol used to convey an idea; graph, chart or record using symbolic pictures
pictorial space - illusionary space appearing to recede backward into depth from a picture plane
picture plane - flat surface of a two-dimensional art work
pigment - finely ground colored powders, natural or synthetic used to make paints and dyes when mixed with liquid media
pineal gland - gland in the center of the brain related to visualization, dreams and the faculty of seeing energy
plaster of Paris - gypsum cement; calcium sulphoid powder mixed with water and hardened into a durable solid for frescoes, sculpture and casts
plasticine - plastic paste used for making models and sculptures
plein air - open air, painting of an outdoor scene made outdoors rather than in the studio *
plewds - drops of sweat indicating that a character is stressed or hot in cartoons; see: Symbolia
pointillism - painting with tiny separate dots or points of color; compare: dot paintings
polychromatic - having many colors; psychedelic *
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poor person's copyright - documentation of artwork placed in an envelope, mailed to oneself through the regular post and then left unopened
pop - optical effect caused by a high contrast in hue, value or texture
pop art - style of painting and sculpture based on the subject matter, visual clichés and impersonal style of popular mass-media imagery, and employing commercial art techniques
porcelain - hard, fine-grained, nonporous and usually translucent white ceramic ware consisting essentially of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar fired at high temperatures
portfolio - portable representation of a body of finished work for showing an artist's output and artistic merit
portrait - representation of a person or animal, especially the face and upper body *
pounce pattern - image transfer process in which small holes are punched along the main lines of a drawing and a dry, loose material such as charcoal, is rubbed through the holes onto another surface
pre-Raphaelite - artist honoring the depiction of nature with style and imagery suggestive of medieval; one seeking to restore early Renaissance methods or ideals, and expressing seriousness and sincerity in their work *
primary colors - colors from which all others may be derived - blue, yellow and red
prime - to cover a surface with a preparatory absorbent coat of sizing, gesso or other primer before painting
primitive art - simple or crude fine art made by a naive or unschooled artist; see: folk art
principles of art - formal standards and organization of art elements pertaining to balance, harmony, unity, technique, variety, proportion, rhythm and movement
printmaking - design and manufacture of one (monoprint) or a series of prints, such as woodcuts, serigraph, giclee etc.
profile - representation of an object or figure as seen from the side, particularly in portraiture *
progressive rhythm - visual rhythm in which the motif changes slightly each time it is repeated *
proof - trial print made for examination and corrections by the artist prior to the printing of an edition
provenance - unbroken record of ownership for a work of art, ideally from the time it left the artist's studio to its present location
psychedelic - having many colors; polychromatic; may evoke an altered state of awareness *
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Quatrefoil - four-pointed or four-leafed figure, especially decorative, as in an architectural ornament, also; trefoil, cinquefoil etc.
quill - tubular hollow portion of a feather loaded with ink or dye, used for drawing or writing
quilt - to stitch designs through padded layers of cloth, fastening them; to stitch, sew or cover with lines, patterns or designs
quimp - see: grawlix
Radial symmetry - similarity of form and arrangement in several parts about an axis, as in a starfish; balance or equality about an axis *
rayograph - image made from blocking or allowing the reception of parallel streams of particles or radiation, such as light, on a surface which is visibly altered by the streams
realism - art which accurately depicts nature or anything that can be seen
in actuality, or ordinary visual experience, without distortion or stylization *
rebus - representation of words by pictures of objects or by symbols whose names sound like the intended words; riddle made up of such pictures or symbols
rectilinear - characterized by straight lines and right angles *
red dot - sold
reductive - carved out or reduced; minimization or lessening of an object in the making of a sculpture; glyptic
regional art - art depicting landscape or coastal features unique to a specific region and usually made there
registration - precise consecutive placement of separate plates onto one printing surface, in order to achieve correct relation or exact superimposition, as of colors and line
relief - projection of a figure or part from the ground or plane on which it is formed; apparent projection or vividness, of contrasting parts in a painting, drawing, etc, which give the appearance of the third dimension
relief printing - printing technique in which ink-carrying parts of a printing surface are left raised, with remaining areas cut away, as in woodcuts, linoleum block prints etc.
relief sculpture - sculpture in which three-dimensional forms project from a flat background of which they are a part, varying in projection from low (bas) to high relief
remarqué - re-marked, small sketch in the margin of an art print or additional enhancement by the artist on some or all of the prints within an edition; see: embellishment
renaissance - rebirth, renewed interest in fine arts, learning, values and exploration which lays intellectual and cultural groundwork for future art and artists
render - depict; to reproduce or represent by artistic means; to produce a copy or version of, as in drawing
replica - exact reproduction, as of a painting, executed by the original artist; a copy exact in all details
representational art - art which depicts particular subjects, especially pertaining to realistic portrayal of subject matter *
reproduction - a copy, likeness or counterpart of an original artwork done by someone other than, and without supervision of, the creator of the original *
resin - sticky substance obtained from gum or pine trees, or synthetic, used in making varnishes, glues and plastics
retablo - decorative painting with a religious theme, usually positioned on a wall behind the altar to aid in idol worship
reticulated - divided, marked or constructed so as to form a network; resembling a net, especially having a pattern of lines *
retouch -
to rework in order to improve, touch up or alter to produce a more desirable appearance
rgb - red green blue; the three 'primary' pixel colors of computerized imaging, from which other colors on the display screen derive
rhythm - movement implied by the repetition of an element such as color, form, line or content *
rococo - characterized by lightness, daintiness, loose brushwork and the use of curving, elegant natural forms in ornamentation, with brightly colored playful subjects
romanticism - painting with emphasis on feeling, originality, freedom of form, creative imagination and the artist's own personality and sympathetic interest in nature *
rotoscoping - animation technique in which artists (originally) drew or traced a moving image, frame by frame with slight variations in each frame to give the illusion of motion; computer rotoscoping programs now cartoonize video footage of live actors, or superimpose animation elements onto a real movie
rubbing - impression made by laying paper over an incised or sculpted surface and rubbing it evenly with charcoal, crayon or the like
rubenesque - plump or rounded in a pleasing or attractive way
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Sandblast - engraving on glass or stone with a stream of sand projected by compressed air
sand painting - a painting made with various colors and tones of sand instead of paint
*
saturation - chromatic purity of a hue, on a scale from bright (pure * ) to dull (diluted with another hue); chroma, intensity
scale - proportion between two sets of dimensions
scenography - the art of perspective representation especially as applied to the painting of stage scenery
schlock - inferior, trashy, annoying art
scratchboard - gessoed board coated with dark ink or paint into which a design is scratched with a sharp implement to expose the white ground underneath *
scribble - hasty, careless, usually worthless drawing without regard to form; accidental marks made outside of an intended form
scrimshaw - carving or engraving usually on ivory or bone, with ink or pigment rubbed into the etched grooves for contrast
scroll - ornament having a spiral or coiled form; painting or text on parchment, silk or paper, displayed in open form or unrolled and rerolled for viewing *
scrollwork - ornamentation characterized by scrolls, especially fancy designs cut into wood with a scroll saw
sculpture - three-dimensional art object; art or practice of shaping figures or designs in the round or in relief, as by carving, modeling or casting
scumble - overlayer of opaque or semi-opaque color applied thinly and lightly with an almost dry brush
secondary color - color made by mixing two primaries; orange, purple and green
secondary light source - element reflecting light received from a brighter source upon an environment or object, as the moon or a wall
secondary market - art for sale by someone other than the artist or original dealer or publisher, such as by another collector
sepia - brown, melanin-containing pigment from the ink of cuttlefishes; print or photograph of a brownish gray to dark olive brown color resembling sepia
serigraph - printing process in which a thin paint is forced through a fine screen masked with a stencilled barrier onto a printing surface; silkscreen, screen print
serpentine - snakelike form or movement, resembling a serpent
*
sfumato - smoky; having vague outlines, colors and shades so mingled as to give a hazy, softened appearance *
sgraffito - design produced by scratching or incising through an outer layer of paint or glaze to reveal a contrasting ground *
shade - color value achieved by adding varying degrees of darkness; color slightly different from the one under consideration; tone
shadow box - shallow box with a glass front in which objects are displayed and protected
sheen - shining brightness, especially on a polished surface
Shona sculpture - has come to designate a type of sculpture depicting humans and animals in spiritual themes, typically smooth and carved in stone such as granite, serpentine or verdite; similar to traditional Inuit sculpture
sighting - eyeballing a given length at some fixed distance, as along a pencil or thumb, to determine the proportional relationships between objects and contours for drawing
silhouette - filled-in outline of a solid form on a contrasting background, usually black on white
silkscreen - printing process in which thin paint is pressed with a squeegee through a stencil adhered to a permeable screen of silk, using a separate stencil for each color desired; serigraph
simultaneous contrast - optical effect caused by the tendency of contrasting colors to contrast more when placed side by side; see: fire and ice *
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sirds - single image random dot stereogram composed of colored dots which, when viewed correctly, appears three-dimensional
site specific - created, designed or selected for a particular site
size - sizing; to coat with a gluelike substance to fill in the pores of paper before applying wet media
sketch - rough, usually quick outline or drawing which captures the basic elements and structure of a situation
using little detail, sometimes used as a reference for later work *
skinning - formation of a membrane on the exposed layer of a coating, such as acrylic, as it begins to dry on the palette and forms a thin dried layer over the bulk of the medium
sky holes - small background areas appearing between and through objects, such as leaves and branches, giving them an airy effect *
slag - scum that forms on the surface of molten metal; dross; residual waste or foreign matter from metal sculpting
slick art - repetitive, formulaic artworks made primarily for the purpose of selling rather than from a creative impulse or desire to express oneself
sleight of hand - trick or set of tricks performed so quickly and deftly that the manner of their execution cannot be observed
S/N, S&N - in print editions Standard/Numbered, Signed & Numbered, respectively
smalte - colored glass or similar vitreous material, or pieces of such material used in mosaic; see: tessera
soapstone - soft metamorphic rock composed mostly of talc, used for small detailed sculpture
solrads - radiating lines drawn from luminous objects, as the sun or a lightbulb, in cartoons; compare: emanata
sonogram - image produced by ultrasound
spectrum - band of colors produced when sunlight passes through a prism, ordered in accordance with physical properties; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet
specular light source - sharp light source giving hard-edged shadows; regular reflection, like that of a mirror, as opposed to diffuse *
spiral - curve formed by a point moving around a fixed point, while constantly receding from or approaching it *
spray paint - application of a fine spray of paint or dye applied from a can and propelled by aerosols; compare: airbrush
squeans - small circles, dashes and asterisks with an empty center indicating a character's dizziness or altered state of awareness in cartoons; see: Symbolia
stabile - kinetic sculpture attached to a solid, unmovable base
stained glass - glass that has been colored, especially by having pigments baked onto its surface or by having metallic oxides fused into it
starve - to perish from lack of food; to suffer extreme hunger; to suffer or perish from deprivation
statue - freestanding three-dimensional representation of a thing or idea produced by sculpting, modeling or casting
stele - upright stone slab, pillar, face of a building, rock, etc. bearing commemorative, usually carved, inscriptions and designs, sometimes serving as a monument or marker
stencil - drawing or design cut out of material such as paper or cardboard so paint or ink can be applied to a surface through the cutout
Stendhal syndrome - dizziness, panic, overstimulation or other nervous condition caused by viewing certain art objects or by viewing too many works of art in too short a time
stereogram - three-dimensional vision produced by the fusion of two slightly different views of a flat scene on each retina
still life - painting, picture or photograph of an arrangement of inanimate objects, such as flowers or fruit *
stipple - to paint, draw or engrave with small flecks or dots rather than with lines or broad color areas
stretcher bar - framework upon which a canvas is attached to be painted
striations - furrows, stripes, streaks; a number of such stripes or streaks in parallel arrangement
stump - rubbing tool made of compacted paper, rubber or soft leather, used for blending or spreading dry media on a surface
style - characteristic handling of art elements and media which identifies the work as the product of a particular person, group, art movement, period or culture
stylized - visual forms rendered with contrived and personalized design qualities *
subtractive color mixture - reduction of reflected light resulting from the combination of colored pigments
subtractive texture - loss of textural paint qualities resulting from repeated brushstrokes in an area of a painting
sumi brush - soft absorbent brush used in traditional ink painting, calligraphy and dye painting
sumi-e - trancelike process of creating art without deliberation in the ever-present now, characterized by a visceral application of strokes with no touching up, erasing or revising
sumptuary law - law regulating personal attire, often perpetuating moral, religious or social standards
sunday painter - one who dabbles in painting, paints infrequently or does so as a hobby
surrealism - art which attempts to portray or interpret the workings of the unconscious mind as manifested in dreams, characterized by an irrational, fantastic arrangement of material *
symbol - form or image which implies or represents something beyond its obvious and immediate meaning
Symbolia - symbols used in comics to indicate action, sound, scent and other scenic nuances; included in this glossary: agitron, briffits, dites, emanata, grawlix, hites, plewds, quimp, solrads, squeans vites, waftaroms.
not included in this glossary: boozex, crottles, digitrons, doozex, farkles, indotherm, jarns, maledicta balloons, nittles, oculama, sphericasia, spurls, staggeration, that-a-tron, whiteope.
symbolic speech - communicative non-verbal expression consisting of emblems, symbols, pictures or conduct; the keystone of artistic expression *
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Tapestry - heavy handwoven textile with rich, complicated pictorial designs used for hangings, curtains and upholstery
tattoo - act or practice of marking the skin with indelible patterns by making punctures in it and inserting pigments
taxidermy - art of mounting and stuffing the skins of slain animals to give a lifelike appearance
tempera - quick-drying water-resoluble paint used for temporary and disposable art works; poster paint; compare: egg tempera
tertiary color - color made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color adjacent to it on the color wheel; blue-green, red-orange etc; intermediate color
tesselation - covering of a surface by congruent planar figures without gaps or overlaps, as in a mosaic
tessera - bit of colored glass, stone or ceramic tile, used in a mosaic; see: smalto
texture - tactile quality of a surface or the representation or suggestion of such a surface quality
three-quarter portrait - portrait with face turned one quarter away from the viewer; portrait showing the figure to the hips only; thirty inch by twenty-five inch portrait
tie-dye - method of patterning textiles by which sections of a fabric are tied so tightly that liquid dyes will not permeate the tied sections during immersion
tiki - the first being, creator; carved wooden or stone image of a Polynesian supernatural power; Polynesian style or atmosphere
tin stamp - a durable, patterned mold used to emboss and shape pieces of tin for interior decorating or accessories
tint - shade of a color, especially a pale variation; gradation of a color made by adding white to lessen its saturation; slight coloration, tinge, trace
tole painting - lacquered or enameled sheet metal or metal ware, usually gilded and elaborately painted
tone - tint, shade; color combined with varying degrees of light and shade; color that modifies another
tonk - to maintain a smooth surface during painting by covering lumps of paint or thick brushstrokes with paper and rubbing the paper to life excess paint off the surface
topiary - art of training, cutting and trimming shrubs or trees into ornamental or animal shapes
totem pole - pillar carved and painted with emblems, such as animals and plants, often representing myths, family lineage or historical events
trace - drawing made by copying or referring to a visible image underneath
it
tracer - appearance of a surviving mark or remnant of an object, fleeting especially into a rhythmic pattern *
tracery - branching, ornamental network of metal, generally in a window where it supports glass pieces suspended within it
trance - state of partly suspended animation or inability to function; a state of profound abstraction or absorption
translucent - layer (of paint) through which some diffused light passes
transparency - transparent picture, as on film, viewed by light shining through it or by projection
transparent - layer or material through which abundant light passes
trichotillomania - anxious hair removal or elaborate hair cutting episode which may exteriorize one's anxiety, shame, depression or body dysmorphic disorder
trick - scenic and pictorial elements integrated through open form and tracers ; depiction of energy and vibrations with rhythmic color or value; emphasis of natural effects over time *
triptych - set of three paintings, related in subject and displayed side by side or stacked; a painting in three parts *
trompe l'oiel - trick the eye, a painting which creates such a strong illusion of reality that the viewer may not be sure whether the thing depicted is real or a representation
two-point perspective - linear perspective using two vanishing points in one composition *
tymology - anamorphosis; distorted optical image produced by intentional distortion (as by unequal magnification along perpendicular axes) of an image
Ukiyo-e - paintings and prints depicting the everyday life and interests of common people; genre painting
umbra - heart or core of a shadow, usually having the darkest value
underpainting - layer/s of color applied to a surface before the overpainting, or final coat;
may be a blocked out monochrome image in muted colors and tones which guides the painter in the development of composition details and color
unity - apparent wholeness or oneness of an artwork, and the sense that all its elements are working together and belong
universal - works of art associated with no particular time, place, group or culture; timeless
unveil - to display or reveal especially for the first time, by or as by removing a veil or covering
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Value - darkness and lightness of tones; white is called 'high value' and black is called 'low value'; 'middle gray' lies halfway between these extremes
vanishing point - point at which parallel lines receding from an observer into the pictorial space(orthogonals in one-point perspective) appear to converge
vanitas still life - still life arrangement with objects, usually biodegradable, that remind viewers of the transience and uncertainty of life *
vantage point - point where the viewer's eye is positioned
varnish - resin dissolved in oil or alcohol and applied over a finished painting to protect it and give it a uniform finish; see: lacquer
vat
- preparation containing an insoluble dye converted by reduction into a soluble leuco base
vehicle - liquid emulsion which carries or spreads the binders and pigments in paints; a liquid, as oil, in which pigment is mixed before being applied to a surface
verdigris - green of Greece; green or bluish pigment consisting principally of copper sulfate, made from the patina formed on copper, brass or bronze surfaces
view finder - small, hand-held paper or board with an opening cut in it proportionate to the paper used for drawing, which, when looked through, aids artists in determining and sketching a pleasing composition
vignette - ornamental design or illustration in a book or magazine, as at the beginning of a chapter, with no definite border, perhaps shading off gradually at the edges
vintage - photographic print made within a few years of the original negative; collection of similar works from a specific period
vision - something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy; a manifestation to the visual sense of something immaterial
visual weight - interest or attraction which certain elements in an artwork have for the viewer, such as areas of high color intensity or contrast, bold contours, texture or position
vites
- see: hites
vivid color - bright, intense, saturated hue *
vodou flag - Haitian flag, drapo; satin, velvet or rayon flag lavishly decorated with sequins, beads and/or appliqué and used in rituals
volute - spiral, scroll-like or whorling ornamental protrusion, such as that used on an Ionic capital
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Wabi sabi - beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, incomplete, modest, humble, unconventional, irregular, intimate, unpretentious, earthy and simple; suggestion of natural processess
waftaroms
- wavy lines rising from a surface or object in cartoons, indicating odor or heat; see: Symbolia
warm colors - colors whose relative visual temperature makes them seem warm; red, orange and yellow *
warp - lengthwise threads in a fabric or canvas, crossed at right angles by the weft
wash - thin, translucent layer of water-based paint, ink or dye
watercolor - paint for which water is used as a solvent and vehicle *
watermark - translucent design impressed on paper during manufacture and visible when the paper is held to the light; metal pattern that produces this design
water media - wet media; water-based painting media such as gouache, watercolor, inks and dyes
water soluble - readily dissolving in water
weld - to unite metallic or plastic parts by hammering or compressing, or by heating and allowing the parts to flow together
weft - horizontal threads interlaced perpendicularly through the warp in a canvas; woof
white balance - color adjustment using white as a reference, based on the lighting situation in which a camera is used, to achieve true values
wrinkle artist - artist who includes a high degree of detail, such as wrinkles, in portrait sketches, cartoon drawings or other typically sparse sketches
wrought iron - tough, malleable, relatively soft iron with low carbon content, mixed with 1 or 2 percent slag, forged or sculpted into a desired, often decorative form
woodcut - relief printing surface carved into a block of wood; the resulting print; compare: xylography
woof - weft
worm's-eye view - perspective in which the vantage point is at or near the nadir
Xerography - photocopying process in which an image formed by a resinous powder on an electrically charged plate is transferred to paper or another copying surface
x-ray art - depiction of an animal or human figure, typically in outline, in which the internal organs and/or bone structures are clearly visible
xylography - art of engraving on wood or printing from such an engraving; compare: woodcut
Yellowing - color, varnish or medium which becomes, or causes another ingredient to become, yellow over time; compare:foxing
Zeitgeist - time ghost, essential spirit of a given time permeating thought, sentiment, aesthetics etc.
Zen garden - dry, shallow, sculpted landscape garden made of sand, gravel, stone, rock and occasionally grass or other natural elements
zoomorphic - artistic style characterized by highly conventionalized representation of animal forms
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