Untitled Flashcard Set

Elements of Art

Building blocks used by artists to create a work of art.

Line

A mark with a greater length than width that can vary in direction, shape, and thickness.

Shape

A closed line that can be geometric or free form, expressing length and width.

Forms

Three-dimensional shapes that express length, width, and depth.

Space

The area between and around objects; negative space refers to the space surrounding objects.

Color

Light reflected off an object, characterized by hue, value, intensity, primary, intermediate, and complementary colors.

Texture

The surface quality of an object, which can be rough, smooth, soft, or hard.

Balance

The distribution of visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space in a work of art.

Emphasis

A part of the design that catches the viewer's eye, standing out from other areas.

Movement

The path the viewer's eye takes through a work of art.

Pattern

The repeating of an object or symbol throughout a work of art.

Repetition

Works with pattern to create a sense of unity and activity in a work of art.

Proportion

The feeling of unity when all parts of a work relate well to each other.

Rhythm

Created through the repetitive use of design elements to convey organized movement.

Variety

The use of several elements of design to capture the viewer's attention.

Unity

A feeling of harmony between all parts of a work of art, creating a sense of completeness.

Naturalism

A style emphasizing accurate and detailed depiction of the natural world and everyday subjects.

Idealism

The representation of subjects in a perfected or beautified form, often deviating from reality.

Realism

The accurate portrayal of nature and contemporary life, rejecting imaginative idealization.

Abstraction

Art that does not represent an accurate depiction of visual reality, using shapes, colors, and forms instead.

Composition

The arrangement and organization of visual elements within a work of art.

Chiaroscuro

Strong contrasts between light and dark used to create the illusion of depth in two-dimensional artwork.

Pictorial Space

The illusion of three-dimensional depth and volume created on a two-dimensional surface.

Scale

The overall physical size of an artwork or the objects within it.

Material Culture

The study of material objects to understand human thought and action.

Visual Culture

The study of how images shape our understanding of the world and influence cultural norms.

Visual Literacy

The ability to recognize and understand ideas conveyed through visible images.

Formal Analysis

A method of analyzing art by focusing on its visual elements and principles of design.

Subject Matter

The main idea, object, or scene depicted in an artwork.

Historical Context

The social, cultural, political, and economic circumstances surrounding the creation of an artwork.