3D art and design

for the exam

Abstract

referring to art that simplifies, emphasizes, or distorts qualities of a real-life image rather than art that tries to represent its surface details accurately

Activated Space/Spatial Presence

The size and impact of the field in which a three-dimensional work is experienced. This field may not stop at the physical boundaries of the work.

Additive

Three-dimensional work made by putting pieces of material(s) together to build up a form.

Analogous Colors

Hues lying next to each other on a color wheel

Applied Color

Color added to a material, concealing or changing its original color

Asymmetrical Balance

Placement of non-identical forms to either side of a balancing point in such a way that the two sides seem to be of the same visual weight.

Bisque

An initial stage of ceramic ware, fired at low heat for partial hardening while remaining porous enough for applying glaze.

Clay Body

A mixture of clays compounded for specific characteristics.

Complementary Colors

Hues that are opposite of each other on a color wheel.

Composition/Unity

Organization of parts so that all contribute to a coherent whole. The combined result of all Principles of Design.

Contrast

Juxtaposition of dissimilar areas.

Density

The extent to which compositional parts are spread out or crowded together.

Dominance/Emphasis

Stress placed on a particular are or characteristic of a work, with other areas or aspects given subordinate supporting roles.

Dynamic Form

A three-dimensional work that conveys an illusion of movement and change.

Elements of Art

Those qualities of a design that can be seen and worked with independently of the figurative content. Line, Form, Texture, Value, Color, Space, and Time.

Exterior Form

The surface of a work of art

Focal Point

The area in a work to which the eye is most compellingly drawn.

Forging

Shaping of metal by hammering it over a hard surface, often after first heating the metal to a malleable state.

Form

The shape of a three-dimensional work, including both the filled and unfilled areas.

Full Round

Works designed to be appreciated from all sides, in fully three-dimensional space.

Glazing

In ceramics, a colored or transparent liquid applied to pieces made of clay; when fired, it bonds to the clay and forms a hard, glassy coating.

High Relief

Three-dimensional form raised considerably off a flat background

Interior Form

The shape of the inside of a hollow work of art; an inner form that appears to be emerging from or contained within the outer form.

Laminate

To create a larger unit by gluing together thin sheets of material or materials.

Line

An area whose length is considerably greater than its width, or where two planes meet.

Line Quality

The distinctive characteristic or orientation of a line, such as horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curving, rough and jagged.

Low/Bas Relief

Three-dimensional form that is barely raised from a flat background.

Mass

A solid three-dimensional form.

Malleable

Capable of being shaped, pliable.

Maquette

a small-scale model of a work.

Mixed-Media

Combinations of different materials to create a visually and physically coherent whole.

Monolithic

A piece having a relatively closed form that reflects the single stone or black of wood from which is was carved.

Natural Texture

The inherent texture of an object with little or no changes made to its surface.

Negative Form

A shaped space that has no physical existence but is enclosed or defined by positive forms; a void.

Non-Representational/Non-Objective

Works that have no apparent relationship to objects from our three-dimensional world.

Open Form

A mass penetrated by negative spaces.

Organic/Biomorphic

Objects that visually suggest nature or natural forces.

Planar

Three-dimensional work using flat-sided forms.

Plastic

Capable of being shaped; polymerized organic compounds that can be shaped in many different ways.

Plasticity

Malleability.

Point of View

The distance and angle from which a work of art is viewed.

Positive Form

A solid area that physically occupies space in a three-dimensional work of art.

Primary Contours

The shape of the outermost extremity of a three-dimensional work.

Principles of Design

Basic aesthetic considerations that guide organization of a work of art (unity, variety, repetition, balance, rhythm, scale, proportion, economy, etc.)

Proportion

A sense of appropriateness in the size relationships of different parts of a work.

Repetition

Use of similar design features again and again.

Representational

Artworks intended to present likenesses of known objects.

Rhythm

Unification of parts of a work through measured repetition of visual accents.

Saturation/Chroma/Intensity

A measure of the relative purity and brightness of a color.

Scale

The size of an object in relationship to other objects and to its surroundings.

Secondary Contours

The forms developed within the outer boundaries of a work.

Static Form

A three-dimensional work that appears stationary.

Stylize

Altering the visual characteristics of an object to fit a desired way of design or cultural aesthetic.

Subtraction

Creation of a work of art by carving away the excess from a larger piece of material.

Symmetrical Balance

The placing of identical forms to either side of the central axis of a work to stabilize it visually.

Texture

The tactile surface characteristics of a work of art that are either felt or perceived visually.

Three-Dimensional

Having height, width, and depth.

Transformation

Change in form, appearance, or character.

Triadic

A color scheme based on three colors, which are equidistant on a color wheel.

Two-Dimensional

Having height and width, but not depth.

Undercut

Creation of an overhanging surface by carving material beneath away.

Value

Degree of lightness or darkness.

Variety

A Principle of Design in which parts are seemingly different but nonetheless have something in common.

Visual Balance

The appearance that parts of a work offset each other in such a way that it will not fall over.

Visual Texture

The apparent rather than the actual tactile quality of a surface.

Volume

An empty three-dimensional form.

Worked Texture

The surface of a material that has been manipulated by the artist to create a variety of textural effects.