U1 Art

Art

Creative expression using visual forms to communicate ideas or feelings. (Example: Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa)

Design

The planned arrangement of visual elements in a work of art. (Example: The layout of a poster or a website)

Proportion

The size relationship between parts of a whole. (Example: Making sure a painted person's head isn't accidentally bigger than their torso)

Balance

How visual weight is distributed in an artwork, either symmetrical or asymmetrical. (Example: A seesaw with equal weights on both sides)

Imagery

Visual images or symbols used in art to create a picture in the viewer's mind. (Example: A dark stormy sky used to represent sadness)

Symmetrical

A type of balance where both halves of an artwork mirror each other. (Example: A butterfly's wings)

Medium

The materials used by an artist to create a work of art. (Example: Oil paint, clay, or graphite pencil)

Technique

The specific method or skill an artist uses to handle art materials. (Example: Shading with cross-hatching vs. blending smoothly)

Abstractism

Art that simplifies, distorts, or changes shapes from reality rather than trying to look lifelike. (Example: A painting of a face where the eyes and nose are broken into simple blocks)

Modernism

An art movement that rejected traditional styles to experiment with new ideas and materials. (Example: Abstract paintings that focus on color instead of painting real objects)

Symbolism

Using an object or image to stand for a deeper idea or meaning. (Example: A painted red rose symbolizing love)

Equestrian Portrait

A portrait showing a person sitting on a horse, usually to show power. (Example: A statue of a king riding a horse in a park)

Patron

A wealthy person or group who pays an artist to create artwork. (Example: The Catholic Church paying Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel)

Figurative Imagery

Art that clearly depicts real-world objects, especially the human body. (Example: A standard statue of an athlete running)

Illuminated Manuscript

A handwritten book from the Middle Ages decorated with gold, silver, and bright illustrations. (Example: Ancient, decorated religious texts)