ART APPRECIATION FINAL EXAM

form

formal elements

i.e. lines, shapes, color, texture, spatial qualities and composition

medium

tool/material that an artist uses

content

the message/subject matter/ideas in the artwork

style

how the artist chooses to use the medium

the characteristics in an artwork's form and content that identifies a particular artist's or group of artist's work (used to define a kind of work)

artist's style: describes the consistent use of form and content

line

a mark that is made on a 2D or 3D surface

more or less continuous that will define a shape or depict a motion

can divide space and lead the eye into space

lines have greater length than width and are NOT edges

drafting

another word for drawing

shading

used in drawing to build atmosphere or volume

crosshatched

a line also used to create atmosphere or volume

contour line

outline or the edge of a figure or a volumetric object.

neither a line or an edge but is made up of one or the other

implied line

describes the suggest lining up of juxtaposed (side by side) objects

no actual line created by the artist

the compositional elements of an artwork allow the eye to see a directional suggestion and move through the work

shape

shows the external appearance of an object rather than its skeleton structure (ex: restroom symbols)

geometric shape

uses straight edges and make the form look like a flattened 2D object

can be constructed on 2D or 3D

biomorphic shape

uses curving forms with thinning and bulging shapes

references shapes of living beings

a symbol can be biomorphic rather than geometric!

can be constructed on 2D or 3D

color

important formal element in artwork

complex concept, can be understood in 3 categories:

1) hue

2) value

3) intensity

hue

the word for the color itself (ex: blue, red, yellow, etc.)

the hue of both the primary (red, blue, yellow), secondary (green, orange, purple), and tertiary (combo of one primary and one/two secondary colors like red-green) colors is their name

value

how much black or white has been added to the hue/color

ex: on a 1-10 scale, 1 is the lightest sky blue, 5 is pure blue, and 10 is dark blue-black/midnight blue

chroma/intensity

quantity or saturation of color/hue in the paint/ink

how much of the color is in the medium of paint/ink

ex: in pink, there is less red in the color and in apple red, there is more red

opacity

When a color/object covers another and you're not able to see through it

when light cannot pass through a color/object, therefore the object behind is obscured

translucency

A color/object that covers another and allows some visibility of the color/object behind

the state or quality of letting light passes through but diffusing it so that objects behind cannot be clearly distinguished

transparency

There is no color that can be considered completely transparent, but there are mediums and varnishes that can change the surface of a painting but usually they have no color

the state or quality of letting light passed through and allowing objects to be seen in full detail

ex: glass, clear plastic

texture

use to judge and see distance

can be created by applying different types of brushstrokes/spattered paint in painting; or by using crosshatched marks in drawing and printmaking.

Marks on a two dimensional plane are implied texture.

actual texture is used in 3D work where surface of sculptural medium is distressed/scratched to create physical surface texture

(2D) spatial qualities

1) positive space: physical objects that take up space, areas of interest

2) negative space: everything around the objects (the background), areas around the areas of interest

ex: a wall painted without any edges is negative space

space

the distance extending without limit in all directions; and the distance, interval or area between or within things

(3D) spatial qualities

1) space: same as negative

2) mass: same as positive

3) volume: quantity of depth (bas-relief)

scale

the relationship of one object to another or an object to its environment

proportion

when scale is in proportion, the relationship between parts and things is harmonious

no distortion; objects are represented the way they are normally seen to be

rhythm

pattern of arrangement or repetition

composition

a description of the complex relationship of and between the elements in an artwork

how elements of the artwork are put together and how they relate to each other

We tend to use many other vocabulary words when talking about composition

can be complex or simple

gravity

the visual weight of an object or an area in an artwork the observer is using the understanding that all bodies tend to be drawn toward the center of the earth

ex: a large object in a painting at the upper left corner will appear to be heavier or potentially in motion more so than a large object in a painting at the bottom left corner

balance

the quality of weight, mass, strength, etc. that is in equipoise/equal proportions

gives us feeling of rest in an artwork rather than the feeling of agitation/motion

symmetry

visual forms that are similarly arranged in a similar position or way on either side of a dividing line or plane (actual or implied)

if there is no symmetry, the artwork is called asymmetrical

iconography

the meaning of a representation in an artwork

when looking to find the subject matter/content of an artwork, you are studying the iconography

figurative/figuration

type of art based on real-world objects, people, or scenes

derived from real world

signature style

the uniqueness of an artist's artworks through repeated forms, content, etc.

recognizable

image

a representation of a person, a thing, or an idea in an artwork

has many different meanings

representational

forms that are recognizable

ex: a tree can be realistic so that you see the leaves and the bark on the trunk, or it can be abstracted into more of a shape, but you still see that it is a tree

the objects/forms of an artwork can be abstracted but recognizable

depicts physical appearance of reality

non-representational

forms that are not recognizable as objects in the real world; fully abstract

communicated through the use of color, rhythm, and shapes rather than real objects

imagination

linear artwork

the use of line in an artwork

curvilinear: curving lines

engraving

a medium that demands that an artist communicates with line

in the printmaking process of engraving, the graver digs out a groove of metal or wood from the printing plate

practice of incising a design onto a hard usually flat surface

form of relief painting

caligraphy

In painting, line work, and graphic design..

stylized writing and mark making that mimics handwriting

mark

a visible trace or impression on a surface

ex: a line, a dot, a scratch, a dent, etc.

painterly

primarily uses paint (texture/strokes) and value, hue, and chroma rather than line to construct a world

"losing" boundaries, visible brush strokes

atmosphere

illusion of depth

painting more distant objects w/ less clarity/lighter tone to make it paler less detailed, bluer than near objects

does not always define edges, so form can sometimes move from one to the next w/o a border line or edge

brush strokes

describe the surface of the painting support (canvas) having a flattening effect by calling attention to the surface of the painting competing with the optical illusion of the landscape's depth

pointillism

a style of painting where dot after dot after dot is applied in the appropriate color and the appropriate shade to build forms, light and atmosphere on a 2D plane

the juxtaposition of dots of color to create a sense of the light that bombards figures and makes them lively

realism

visual information is surface reality

a recording that is visible recording, whether realistic or not

visual language of optics,

surrealism

When an artwork appears to be real but impossible and has no religious meaning behind it

ex: flying beings that look like people but have wings

a style where the artist creates a presentation of realistic objects that depict ridiculous situations

naturalistic

similar to realism but with some simplification or some level of abstraction

when an artwork is based on physical appearance of the real world but less literal

recognize forms and know that they are taken from life but the forms are not what we see everyday

idealism

representing things as they ought to be; idealized view of reality

taking real objects/human beings and presenting them as an idea or a perfect example of the values of a culture

romanticism

broad movement/attitude in late 18th century

emphasized emotion

concentrated on the imaginative powers of the artist to poeticize/uplift the subject matter and the observer

There was a desire to portray high courts of the Kings and Queens and the Aristocracy

history painting

includes figures in any kind of historical, mythological or religious narrative generally conveying a high moral or intellectual idea and conveying detail as information in a grand pictorial style

to visually document or recall historical events

abstract

realistic form replaced by pure shapes, colors or patterns, textures

Abstract art continues to have strong content that is derived from reality but it does not rely on recognizable real-world imagery

conventional

when painters conform to accepted models or traditions and their work does not show natural, or original, or spontaneous brushstrokes; imagery, or content

artwork from artists who did not have anything special to say

avant-garde or cutting edge

describe artwork that changes human thinking and challenges the conventional ways of seeing

innovative, spreads new ideas

art for art's sake

an idea that art is not or does not need to be functional or need to serve a purpose.

proposes that art is an expression of truth made by the artist and it exists in a realm by itself. it exists for itself

mixed media

Artwork that has many different processes and art materials

don't mix "media", which is plural for "medium", with "medium"! it has its own meaning

Two dimensional art

describes drawing, painting, the graphic arts, and photographs even tho the objects drawn or painted are 3D

usually has little depth, not always the case

Three dimensional art

sculpture, architecture and ornamental practical art (jewelry, ceramics and fiber arts)

can act as functional art too

stronger sense of depth while maintaining height and depth

ephemeral art

less traditional or permanent art

changeable

ex: performance art (singing, dancing, acting) and installation art

site specific

a work that relates directly to its environment (installation art)

adapted to its space

fresco

a type of painting that employs water-based, pigment paint on top of freshly applied, wet plaster

the painting becomes an integral part of the wall/ceiling

technique of mural painting

still life

an arrangement of objects that are not alive

no visible human presence

genre painting

records the small activities that are taken for granted in our everyday life, they are not heroic or specific

less valued due to photography which can capture info of everyday life

narrative/narration

visual art that tells a story/history

visual dynamics

use of diagonal lines that reveals more information as you move the art work

printmaking

woodcut, engraving, etching, dry point, lithography, offset lithography, photogravure, polymer plates

relief printing

rubbed by hand or the ink can be impressed on the paper by using a printing press that has a flat bed and a moving metal roll that puts pressure on the paper and relief block sandwich.

wood engraving

The cuts were made in the wood similar to the metal engraving but the ink is deposited on the surface just like the inking of the type for the newspaper.

graphic arts / design

typography, photography...

low art

conventional and catchy, crafted

not so sophisticated looking

accessible (great in supply) and easily comprehended

high art

the most aesthetically pleasing

challenging in production and supply

elegant, unique, and sophisticated

reductive sculpture

carving and removing material

additive sculpture

material is added by modeling

work from nothing and starts adding

relief sculpture/ bas-relief

sculpture technique where figures and/or other design elements are more prominent than the overall flat background

low relief - barely stand out from the background, almost like it's carved just around the edges.

high relief - carved out much further from the background, where the figures appear to be more on top of the background rather than part of it

soft edge

blurred, blends in with the background

hard edge

distinct, able to see

perspective

in drawing and painting..

create the illusion of space by recreating a system that mimics the way our binocular vision accepts info on the nerve endings of our retinas

reproduce 3D space on a flat surface

mass

describes any area in an art work that is broad and cohesive

significant element in the composition

takes up space whether it's 2D or 3D

icon

a famous person whose attitude represents a way of being or the group experience of that person's followers. The persona that person presents to the world (ex: marilyn monroe)

(in painting) a panel painting, an image painted on wood, the image is a miraculous image or pic of a saint.

OR a realistic or abstract symbol used in an artist's work. Meaning that the artist uses that image as an aspect of art making over and over so that it becomes their own personal icon

figuration??

the look of painterly cartoon figures

silkscreen

a style in artwork; printmaking technique

transferring photos/inked design onto mesh of silkscreen

mesh cloth stretched over a heavy wooden frame

graphic image

usually 2D on a flat surface

clear lifelike picture; computer-generated?

romantic

tradition of the writing of fictitious tales..

when people places and things are shown in an idealized view that is extraordinary or extravagant

expressionism

Artwork that relies on expression of subjective feelings, and is work that appeals to the subjective response of the beholders

less charted/outlines, less drafted and used more gestural mark making

abstract expressionist

a type of art where artist expresses himself purely through the use of form and color

non-representational, no actual objects represented.

german expressionist

an early 20th century German art movement

emphasized artist's inner feelings/ideas over distortion of images of reality

characterized by shapes, bright colors and gestural marks/brushstrokes

neo expressionist

use of intense colors, dramatic usually figural forms (abstract), and emotive subject matter

painting

imagery with pigment

made on paper/canvas/walls of many types

there's water color and acrylic and oil paint, gouache, enamel and fresco to name some

drawing

a way for artists to think and plan

can range from...

sketches: tend to be a capturing of information or an arrangement of ideas

studies: deeper level of planning as many studies might be the research for a final works

finished works

assembled sculpture

comprised of "found" objects arranged to create a piece

can be organic or man-made

incorporates everyday found objects into 3D sculpture

edge qualities

describe the border of an object or an area

volumetric

In drawing and painting..

the illusion of three dimensions

chiaroscuro

the use of light and dark to create the illusion of a volumetric object on a two-dimensional surface

atmospheric perspective

creating illusion of depth by adjusting color (tone/hue) and distinction of objects to far away objects

reducing contrasts of light and dark to a light blue-ish gray color

h a z e

one-point perspective

a drawing method that shows how things appear to get smaller as they get further away

has a single 'vanishing point', usually directly opposite the viewer's eye and on the horizon line

sculpture

most recognized and written about medium of fine art

3D medium

typography

falls between printmaking/graphic design

the visual art of creating written words (style/appearance)

commercial art

used in advertising/selling

crafted strictly to sell products

ex: store fliers

graphic arts

include many different mediums

visual arts based on line and tone rather than 3D work or use of color

graphic design

also part of graphic arts

work made to communicate info and ideas about events/products/diagrams and the written word

(visual info & arrangement in magazine and books)