Art Appreciation Midterm Study Guide

Representational Art

Art that depicts recognizable subjects from the real world.

Abstract Art

Art that distorts, simplifies, or exaggerates real objects while maintaining some connection to reality.

Nonrepresentational Art

Art that does not depict any recognizable subject matter, focusing on elements like color, shape, and texture.

Iconography

The study of symbols and themes in art that convey deeper meanings.

Media/Medium

Refers to the materials used to create art, such as painting, sculpture, or digital art.

Form

The visual elements of an artwork, including shape, structure, and composition.

Content

The meaning, themes, or message conveyed by an artwork.

Implied Line

A suggested line created through edges, positioning, or contrast.

Mass

The perceived weight or density of an object in an artwork.

Volume

The three-dimensional space an object occupies.

Texture

The surface quality of an object—actual (physical) or implied (visual).

Triadic Color Scheme

Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel (e.g., red, yellow, blue).

Analogous Color Scheme

Colors next to each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue, blue-green, green).

Monochromatic Color Scheme

Variations of a single color (shades, tints, tones).

Balance

The distribution of visual weight in an artwork.

Symmetrical Balance

Equal visual weight on both sides of a composition.

Asymmetrical Balance

Different elements balanced visually in an artwork.

Radial Balance

Elements arranged around a central point.

Line Perspective

Creating depth using perspective techniques.

Horizon Line

Where the sky meets the ground in a perspective drawing.

Vanishing Point

Where parallel lines appear to converge in perspective.

Orthogonal Lines

Diagonal lines that lead to the vanishing point.

Atmospheric Perspective

Using color, detail, and contrast to create depth.

Scale

The relative size of objects in an artwork.

Proportion

The relationship of sizes within an artwork.

Unity

The sense of harmony in an artwork.

Variety

The use of different elements to create interest in an artwork.

Dry Media

Art materials such as pencil, charcoal, chalk, and pastels.

Wet/Liquid Media

Art materials such as ink, watercolor, and paint-based tools.

Projective Drawing

Drawing from imagination or memory.

Receptive Drawing

Drawing from observation.

Components of Paint

Pigment (color), Binder (holds pigment), Solvent (thinner).

Gouache

Opaque watercolor paint with a matte finish.

Watercolor

Transparent paint mixed with water.

Oil Paint

Slow-drying, blendable paint with oil as a binder.

Acrylic Paint

Fast-drying paint with a synthetic polymer binder.

Egg Tempera Paint

Uses egg yolk as a binder, known for detail.

Fresco

Pigment applied to wet plaster.

Matrix

The surface used to create a print (wood, metal, stone).

Relief Printmaking

Technique where raised areas hold ink (e.g., woodcuts).

Lithography

Technique using oil and water on stone or metal.

Intaglio

Technique where ink is held in carved grooves (e.g., engraving, etching).

Screenprinting

Ink pushed through a mesh screen to create images.

Freestanding Sculpture

Sculpture that can be viewed from all sides.

Low Relief

Sculpture that is slightly raised from the background.

High Relief

Sculpture that is deeply projected from the background.