Introduction to Art Concepts and Techniques

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering fundamental art theories, techniques, color schemes, and historical contexts based on the lecture transcript.

Fine Art vs. Craft

A distinction that is largely based on the end purpose of the item.

Modeling

An additive process in which a sculptor builds up a piece out of material such as clay or plaster.

Mimesis

The ancient Greek approach to defining art as a replication of nature, as demonstrated by the myth of Zeuxis and Parhassios.

Two-dimensional Art

An image created on a flat surface.

Local (Natural) Color

The actual body color of a given object.

Observed Color

Color that reflects how the color changes with shifts of light.

Closed Form

In three-dimensional art, a form whose volume is not pierced or perforated, allowing empty space to circle around it, but not to move through it.

Four-dimensional Art

A category of art that includes projections, robotics, video art, and performance art.

Matrix

In printmaking, the material used to produce the image, such as carved wood, stencil, or stone blocks.

Binders

Substances used in paint-making to hold pigment together, such as beeswax, egg yolks, vegetable oil, and gum arabic.

Symmetrical Balance

Occurs when the visual weight of an image is evenly distributed on an axis.

Analogous Color Scheme

A color scheme that uses colors from the same side of the color wheel.

Geometric Shapes

Shapes that are regular and ordered.

Organic Shapes

Shapes that are irregular and chaotic.

Paleolithic Cave Art

Art from the Paleolithic period that often contains images of animals hunted for food.

Craftsperson

One who is highly skilled at creating useful everyday items like furniture or ceramics but does not invent new techniques or forms.

Carving

A subtractive process in which a sculptor removes unwanted material from a large piece of stone or wood.

Fresco

A painting done on plaster, often while it is still wet, such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

Convention

An agreed-upon way of thinking, speaking, or acting in a social context, which is often reflected in art.

Cool Colors

Colors from the side of the color wheel containing green, blue, and purple, which tend to 'recede' in an image.

Gesture

The line created by the movement of an artist’s hand or body, often carrying emotion or meaning.

Catharsis

A release or purging of emotion, often associated with the personal need to create art.

Complementary Color Scheme

A color scheme utilizing colors from opposite sides of the color wheel, such as the blues and oranges in Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Pigment

The component of drawing or painting material that provides the color.

Paint Components

The three primary components that make up paints: pigment, binder, and solvent.