Visual Arts and Design Terms

Practice flashcards covering visual art terminology, colour theory, and design principles based on the lecture notes.

Angle

The slant, or way of looking at or presenting something.

Background

The distance part of a landscape or surroundings, especially those behind something, providing harmony and contrast.

Balance

The even distribution of all the elements of a visual work.

Symmetrical balance

A type of balance where the visual work is the same on the left and right sides of a central axis, like a human figure.

Asymmetrical balance

A type of balance where branches or elements are not distributed equally on each side but their total weight is balanced left and right.

Radial balance

A type of balance where all elements, such as sun rays, are equal in length from the center.

Colour

Also called hue, it helps create mood, provide contrast, or compliment objects in artwork.

Purple and Gold

Colours often associated with Royalty, wealth, and opulence.

Red and White

Colours reminiscent of the Canadian flag that convey notions of patriotism and conservatism.

Green

The colour representing ecology and concern for the environment, as well as money or the suggestion to 'go ahead' from traffic lights.

Blue, Red, White and Grey

A colour combination representing stability, power, trustworthiness, and conservatism.

Yellow, Brown, Orange, Green

A colour combination representing nature, earthiness, and warmth.

Primary colours (Red, Blue, Yellow)

Colours that convey fun.

Black

A colour associated with death, as well as sophistication and formality.

White

A colour believed to signify life and purity.

Composition

The bringing together of parts or elements to form a whole; the structure, organization, or total form of a work of art.

Contrast

The juxtaposition of opposing elements, such as opposite colours on the colour wheel, tones (light/dark), or directions (horizontal/vertical).

Dominant Image

The part of the artwork that will be dominant or the overall mood, feeling, or idea associated with the visual.

Focal Point

The main element in a composition that draws the eye's attention to the most important element on the page.

Focus

Determining if objects are in or out of focus; a way of creating a focal point in photographs.

Font

The size, type, etc., associated with text.

Foreground

The part of a scene or landscape which is near the viewer.

Frame

In visual arts and cinematography, a technique used to focus the viewer's attention upon the subject, add depth, or act as a repoussoir.

Lighting

Illumination used to establish mood or serve a symbolic purpose, achieved through the careful use of colour.

Line

Linear marks made with a pen or brush, or the edge created when two shapes meet; it communicates emotion and states of mind.

Horizontal line

A line that suggests a feeling of rest or repose.

Vertical lines

Lines that communicate a feeling of loftiness and spirituality.

Erect lines

Lines that seem to extend upwards beyond human reach toward the sky.

Diagonal lines

Lines that suggest a feeling of movement, direction, speed, or activity.

Soft, shallow curves

Curves that suggest comfort, safety, familiarity, and relaxation.

Deep, acute curves

Curves that suggest confusion, turbulence, frenzy, or chaos.

Panel

A single section of a comic showing one moment in a story; also called a frame.

Perspective

The illusion of creating dimensional views of objects and depth through intersecting lines and careful spacing.

Proportion

The size relationship of parts to a whole and to one another.

Values

The different shades of gray between white and black used to translate light and shadows into shading.

Hatching and crosshatching

Simple techniques used for drawing shading to create the illusion of a third dimension.

Scale

The size or apparent size of an object seen in relation to other objects, people, or its environment.

Symbol

An object representing a feeling, idea, or other concept.

Caricature

Exaggerated facial features of subjects, commonly employed by cartoonists.

Collage

A form of art in which various materials such as photographs, paper, or fabric are arranged and stuck to a backing.

Comic Strip

A sequence of drawings in boxes that tell an amusing story, typically printed in newspapers or books.

Editorial Cartoon

A single-panel cartoon that deals with current news events or social, political, and cultural issues.

Graphics

The process or art of drawing in accordance with mathematical principles.

Photo Essay

A set or series of photographs intended to tell a story or evoke emotions in the viewer.

Poster

A visual medium containing images and text intended to convey a mood and message within a few seconds.

Print

A hard copy of text or images, as opposed to electronic or web formats.

Storyboard

Rough sketches showing the content, sequence, and camera shots for a video production, including notes on effects and audio.