Art Terminology

Asymmetry

compositional elements that are offset from each other

Composition

the arrangement of forms within a work of art

Contrast

unlike visual elements in opposition to each other

Emphasis

the area of primary visual importance

Expressive Lines

Lines that are curved and often rounded and follow undetermined paths

Form

a shape within a work of art

Hue

color itself, but also to the variations of a color

Line

two or more points together; a point in motion

Medium

what a work of art is made out of

Picture Plane

the flat surface area  on which a work of art is created

Repetition

use of two or more like elements or forms within a composition

Saturation

the purity and intensity of a color

Scale and Proportion

the relative size of one form in relation to another

Shade

a darker color of a hue

Shape

an enclosed area in two dimensions

Space

empty area surrounding real or implied objects

Symmetry

an exact compositional design on either (or both) sides of the horizontal or vertical axis of the picture plane

Texture

the surface quality of a work of art

Tone

the light and dark values of a color used to render an object

Value

relative lightness or darkness of a shape in relation to another