Elements, Principles, and Process of the Arts

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the elements and principles of art, visual art media, and principles of physical activity.

Art (Oxford Dictionary)

The use of the imagination to express ideas or feelings, particularly in painting, drawing or sculpture.

Art (Wiki)

A diverse range of human activities in creating visual, auditory or performing artefacts (works), expressing the author’s imaginative, conceptual ideas, or technical skill, intended to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

Dot

The most basic and fundamental element of the art; the start and end of the art.

Line

A series of connected points; it is a visible path traced by a moving point.

Horizontal line

A line representing rest, serenity, or perfect stability.

Vertical line

A line representing dominance, height, and power.

Diagonal line

A line representing uncertainty, unrest, movement, or action.

Curved line

A line representing flow, softness, flexibility, and grace.

Shape

An enclosed line that is 2D, possessing height and width.

Form

An element of art that is 3D, possessing height, width, and depth.

Value

The degree of lightness or darkness; it gives an impression of solidity, distance, and depth.

Color

The product of light reflected off objects.

Hue

The identity or the quality by which we distinguish colors.

Cool colors

Colors which possess the dominance of blue.

Warm colors

Colors which possess the dominance of red or yellow.

Intensity or Saturation

Refers to the strength of a hue.

Texture

Refers to surface characteristics, which may be rough, smooth, glossy, coarse, etc.

Space

Refers to the area in which an artist arranges elements in a composition.

One-point perspective

A representation of distance by means of converging lines.

Two-point perspective

A representation where there are two points in line with each other in a horizontal position and all lines converge on these two points.

Foreshortening

The concept that describes how objects appears much shorter when viewed from a sharp angle.

Balance

The idea of visual equilibrium which gives an impression of stability or instability.

Symmetrical Balance

A type of balance having equal visual weight on either side of the canvas; it is visually stable.

Asymmetrical Balance

An uneven balance.

Radial Balance

A symmetrical balance wherein elements are distributed evenly around a central point.

Proportion

Refers to the size relationships of one part to another, and of the parts to the whole.

Rhythm

A visual rhythm characterized by the repetition or alternation of elements.

Regular Rhythm

The repetition of a single motif.

Alternating Rhythm

The use of two different motifs alternately.

Flowing Rhythm

A smooth and graceful type of rhythm.

Progressing Rhythm

A rhythm where motifs are presented in a gradual shift in characteristics, such as size from small to large.

Emphasis/Focal Point

The center of interest besides subordinates that easily attracts the attention of the viewer.

Unity/Harmony

Refers to the coherence of the elements of a work to the whole.

Variety

The use of different or more elements and change to increase the visual interest.

Encaustic

A mixture of pigment, wax (beeswax), and resin.

Fresco

Pigment mixed with water and applied to thin layers of either dry plaster or wet plaster.

Tempera

A fast-drying medium which is pigment mixed with a glutinous material, usually egg yolk.

Ink

A medium containing pigments or dyes in liquid or paste form used for pen and brush drawing or printing.

Oil Paint

Consists of pigment mixed with oil (linseed oil) as its binder; it dries slowly and lasts long.

Watercolor

Consists of pigment combined with water and gum arabic; colors are less luminous and transparent.

Acrylic

A quick-drying synthetic medium with emulsion as its binder, favored for its ease of use and versatility.

Frequency

The number of times you need to exercise in a week.

Intensity (FITT)

Refers to how hard you will exercise.

Type

Refers to the kind of exercise you will do to achieve a specific benefit.

Time

Refers to the length or duration of each exercise.

Specificity Principles

Indicates that specific kinds of physical activities need to be used to develop specific parts of the body.

Overload Principles

The most important principle stating that to see real results, one must push beyond their usual effort level.

Reverse Principles

The principle following the adage "Use it or lose it," where fitness gains disappear faster than they were gained if training stops.

Progression Principles

The idea that workload should gradually increase over time to continue improving fitness.

Individual Principles

The idea that training should be tailored to individual needs, fitness levels, and abilities.

Variation Principles

The practice of changing exercises, intensity, and routines to prevent plateaus and maintain motivation.

Recovery Principles

The principle that rest and recovery allow muscles to repair and prevent overtraining.