Contemporary Arts Note

Line

A series of connected or prolonged points.

Shape

An area enclosed by a line or lines.

2D Figure

A figure with two measurable quantities: length and width/height, but no depth or thickness.

Geometric Shapes

Regular mathematical shapes such as triangle, square, and rectangle.

Organic Shapes

Shapes inspired by nature, such as plants, trees, and animals.

Abstract Shapes

Simplified or non-realistic shapes mainly divided into geometric and organic forms.

Color

An element associated with natural phenomena that can express lightness, darkness, warmth, and coolness.

Hue

The basic or pure color represented on the color wheel.

Value

The lightness or darkness of a color.

Saturation

The brightness or dullness of a color.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

Uses one hue with different values or gradients.

Analogous Color Scheme

Uses 3 to 4 colors beside each other on the color wheel.

Complementary Color Scheme

Uses two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.

Split-Complementary Color Scheme

Uses one color plus the two colors beside its complement.

Triadic Color Scheme

Uses three colors equally spaced on the color wheel.

Tetradic/Double Complementary Color Scheme

Uses four colors consisting of two pairs of complementary colors.

Square Color Scheme

Uses four colors equally spaced around the color wheel.

Texture

An element that appeals to our sense of touch, describing how the surface of an artwork feels or appears to feel.

Value in Art

Refers to the lightness or darkness of an area important for creating shadows, highlights, and the illusion of depth.

Space

The area occupied by an object and the area surrounding it.

Atmospheric Perspective

Uses properties of light and air to create the illusion of distance.

Linear Perspective

Uses vanishing points and receding lines to create depth.

Positive Space

The main subject or object in an artwork.

Negative Space

The empty or background area surrounding the subject.

Illusion of Movement

Movement that appears to happen but the artwork itself is not actually moving.

Actual Movement

The artwork that really moves, common in kinetic sculptures.

Super Quick Review - LINE

Connected points representing direction and form.

Super Quick Review - SHAPE

Enclosed area representing 2D.

Super Quick Review - COLOR

Defined by hue, value, and saturation.

Super Quick Review - TEXTURE

Describes how the surface feels.

Super Quick Review - VALUE

Describes lightness/darkness.

Super Quick Review - SPACE

Describes area around/occupied by objects.

Super Quick Review - TIME & MOTION

Describes illusion or actual movement.