Practice Set 3
Which of the following is a pair of tools commonly used in printmaking? a. baren ... squeegee b. ribbon tool ... wire cutter c. pyrometer ... cone d. tjanting ... wax
A A baren is a tool used in relief printing and a squeegee is a tool used in serigraphy (silk-screen printing)
Which of the following describe the goals of the artists associated with the Art Nouveau movement? Select all that apply. a. to revitalize the arts with an unifying style of flowing organic forms b. to popularize the historical prototypes sanctioned by the French Academy c. to emphasize the role of the unconscious in the production of art d. to create art suited to the realities of the industrial age
A, D Artists associated with the Art Nouveau movement sought to create works of art that were suited to the realities of the industrial age and in which fine and decorative art were integrated into a unified whole. They frequently incorporated modern materials and organic forms in the creation of art, decorative objects, and architecture.
The Taj mahal was commissioned as a a. monastery b. mausoleum c. church d. palace
B The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial and tomb for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
which of the following is an aspect of the portrait head by Auguste Rodin that is closely tied to the sculpture's expressive quality? a. uneven treatment of the surface texture b. limitation of color to the metal and its patina c. interaction of occupied and unoccupied space d. naturalistic proportion and scale of the head
A By varying the surface texture of the work, Rodin has caused the light that hits the sculpture to emphasize the contrast between raised and sunken areas. This heightens the facial characteristics that convey the subject's emotional state.
The style of El Greco's paintings can best be described as a. mannerist b. neoclassical c. rococo d. high renaissance
A El Greco employed the Mannerist conventions of portraying elongated figures in strained poses and using strong artificial color. Also typical of Mannerism, El Greco's work was intensely spiritual, emotional, and restless.
Immersive virtual reality art that uses sensors within an installation can best be described as a. interactive b. cinematic c. streaming d. distributed
A Immersive virtual reality art that uses sensors to connect viewers to the installation is designed to make the environment of the installation feel real to viewers. Viewers can respond to the installation's environment in a way that feels natural. In so doing, the viewer interacts with the immersive virtual reality.
The quality of a digital image printed on paper is most closely tied to which of the following factors? a. the dots per inch (dpi) of ink or toner on the paper b. the camera used to photograph the image c. whether the image is in color or black and white d. whether the paper is smooth or lightly textured
A Print resolution, represented by dots per inch or dpi, is most closely tied to print quality. A greater number of pixels, or dots, within the same area will produce prints that are sharper and that capture more detail.
In which of the following kinds of art do both time and space directly contribute to a viewer's experience? a. installation b. fabrication c. assemblage d. photomontage
A Time is an element of all installations. In some cases, the installation itself changes with time; in all installations, time is involved in experiencing the installation because the viewer generally walks around or through it. Any installation occupies and transforms space.
Which of the following cables provides the most common interface between a computer and a printer? a. USB b. Coaxial c. S-video D. Composite video
A USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables are the industry standard for connecting personal computers with peripheral devices like printers.
In general, two-dimensional art that is being exhibited in a gallery should be a. displayed at a comfortable eye level b. arranged by the color of the matting c. hung at a range of heights to create a rhythmic pattern d. organized in small groups with spaces between them
A Although there are exceptions to this principle, such as installations and extremely large works, two-dimensional art is generally hung in a single row at a comfortable viewing height for most adults.
An artist who creates a painting that has a thick texture with ridges and defined marks from the application of the paint is using the technique known as a. impasto b. contrapposto c. sfumato d. chiaroscuro
A Impasto refers to the application of thick paint in such a way that the surface of the painting becomes heavily textured and shows the marks of the brush or other tool used to apply the paint.
Which of the following are appropriate ways to produce a textured surface on a moist clay project that is going to be fired? Select all that apply. a. pushing and pinching with one's fingers b. embedding small fired pottery shards c. digging parallel channels with a comb d. using slip to press on scored pieces of moist clay
A, C, D A moist clay project retains enough elasticity for the surface to be textured either by using one's fingers or by using any of various objects, such as a comb. Slip can be used to press pieces of moist clay onto the project, and since the basic form and the decorative pieces are in a similar state, the whole can be fired without causing problems.
Which of the following acronyms refers to a file format that can be used with moving images? a. PNG b. EPS c. DV d. BMP
C "DV" stands for digital video.
A Mesoamerican stone sculpture depicting a large figure reclining with a bowl in its lap is commonly referred to as a. a Chac Mool b. a Coaticue figure c. a totem d. an odalisque
A "Chac Mool" is the term used to refer to the large number of reclining offertory male figures archaeologically unearthed in modern times. Of these ancient pre-Columbian sculptures, the best-known group resides at the Temple of Warriors, Chichen Itza, Mexico.
The Feldman method of art criticism includes description, analysis, interpretation, and which of the following? a. judgment b. improvement c. differentiation d. summarization
A Edmund Burke Feldman, Alumni Foundation Distinguished Professor of Art at the University of Georgia, developed a method for evaluating works of art. The Feldman method of art criticism includes four steps: description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment.
Which of the following terms refers to the analysis of the symbols, themes and subject matter in the visual arts? a. iconographic b. stylistic c. visual d. contextual
A Iconographic analysis specifically concerns itself with symbols, themes and subject matter of works of art in order to establish the meaning an artwork had at the time it was created.
Which of the following presents a significant health risk for absorption through healthy, unbroken skin? a. turpentine b. linseed oil c. gouache d. white glue
A In addition to emitting harmful vapors, turpentine presents a second risk because it can be absorbed through healthy, unbroken skin.
Which of the following ancient civilizations produced highly detailed portrait sculptures that emphasize individualized likenesses and features? a. Roman b. Minoan c. Greek d. Egyptian
A In contrast to the sculpture of other ancient cultures, ancient Roman sculpture is known for portrait sculptures that emphasize individualized likenesses and features.
In jewelry making, which of the following is a process in which fine metal wire is used to organize colors that are fused into hard enamel-like surfaces? a. cloisonne b. encaustic c. glazing d. engobe
A In jewelry making, cloisonné is the process in which fine metal wire is used to create small cellular units that are each filled with a color; the piece is then fired, resulting in hard enamel-like surfaces. Cloisonné has been used as a decorative technique since ancient times both in Asia, particularly China and Japan, and in European cultures.
Papier-mâché is a medium that involves which of the following processes? a. gluing multiple layers of paper onto an armature b. collaging a variety of papers for decorative purposes c. casting wet paper in a mold to form a relief d. taping rolls of paper together to form free-standing sculptures
A Regardless of the exact purpose for which it is used, papier-mâché requires gluing multiple layers of paper onto an armature.
An important innovation in the Gothic architecture of the abbey church of Saint-Denis was its a. incorporation of light and color into a church interior b. floor plan designed to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims c. use of barrel vaults to create height in the church d. inclusion of narrative sculptural reliefs to decorate the exterior
A The abbey church of Saint-Denis was innovative because it was the first to use a significant number of stained-glass windows. The stained glass introduced much more light and color into the interior than the smaller windows of earlier churches.
The safest way to use aerosol propellants such as fixative is to apply them a. in a spray booth b. in an unused corner of the studio c. as a series of several light layers d. near an open window
A Using spray paint and other types of aerosol spray present serious health and safety risks. The safest way to use aerosol propellants is to apply them in a specially constructed, enclosed area called a "spray booth"
The term "lost wax" refers to a. a technique of casting metal in a plaster mold b. a step in developing an image on fabric in batik making c. the use of wax as an encaustic medium in painting d. the process of buffing colored pencil images to make them glossy
A A metal object made through the lost-wax process begins with a wax model of the finished product around which a plaster mold is made. When the mold is heated, the wax melts and runs out (or is "lost"). Molten metal is then cast in the mold to create the finished work.
Which of the following media are often used to produce a hard, glossy finish? Select all that apply. a. Lacquer b. Tempera c. Gouache d. Enamel
A, D Lacquers can be made from both natural and synthetic components; they are used in many different applications and in many parts of the world, particularly Asia. When dry, lacquer surfaces are extremely hard and most often glossy. Enamel paint is traditionally an oil-based paint that dries to a hard, glossy finish. Some contemporary enamels are water-based but these, too, yield a glossy finish.
Semiotic theory is associated with which of the following? a. literal approaches to life b. signs and symbols in language c. scientific methodologies d. direct sensory perceptions
B A branch of modern linguistics, semiotics is best defined as the study of signs, symbols, and sign-using behavior, especially in language. According to semiotic theory, language comprises words, images, sounds, gestures, and objects. Beginning in the 1970s, semiotics emerged as a useful framework for analyzing phenomena in a variety of fields including art and visual culture.
In her painting Judith and Holofernes, shown, Artemisia Gentileschi drew attention to the painting's focal point, the beheading of Holofernes, primarily through the use of a. repeated colors in the woman's garments b. lines created by the figures' limbs c. inclusion of dramatic details d. implied perspective created by the bed
B Although Artemisia Gentileschi used dramatic illumination similar to the light in Caravaggio's painting of the same subject, it is her masterful use of dramatic composition that best helps the viewer focus on the decapitation of Holofernes. The limbs of the two women direct attention to that focal point.
Exposure to photography led artists such as Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas to a. reduce decorative motifs in their work radically b. compose work so that subject matter appears cropped c. blur distant objects in landscapes to suggest spirituality d. make multiple, slightly different representations of a subject
B As photography developed, the intrinsic framing devise of the lens was used to isolate subject matter in ways that differed from traditional Western compositional strategies. As the lens "found" the content, objects or spacers were often cut off at the compositions margins. Cassatt and Degas were among the artists who adapted this strategy for their own work.
Goya's The Disasters of War can be seen as the prototype for which of the following works by Pablo Picasso? a. Les Demoiselles d'Avignon b. Guernica c. Three Musicians d. The Old Guitarists
B Both Goya's The Disasters of War and Picasso's Guernica are passionate expressions of anguish at the brutality of war. None of the other Picasso works mentioned is related to war.
In digital photography, image sharpness is determined by a. reticulation b. resolution c. f-stop d. shutter speed
B In digital photography, resolution refers to the amount of detail an image can hold. Since more detail results in more sharpness, it is resolution that determines image sharpness in digital photography.
The process of preparing or threading a frame for weaving is referred to as a. drafting the weave b. warping the loom c. beating the weft d. preparing the heading
B In weaving, the warp is the group of lengthwise threads that are held in tension on a frame or loom. Warp yarn must be strong since it is held under extreme tension. Traditional warp fibers are spun and plied wool, linen, or silk. Warping the loom is the process of setting these vertical threads prior to weaving and a well-warped loom with even tension is a critical step for successful weaving.
Which of the following adhesives is archival and safest to use when hinging a two-dimensional artwork to museum board? a. masking tape b. wheat paste c. acrylic medium d. glue stick
B It is important for artwork mounting systems to provide sufficient strength, age well, have no tendency to discolor, and be easily removed (reversible). The safest archival mounting choice for two-dimensional artwork, according to museum conservators, utilizes a starch-based adhesive with acid-free paper hinges.
Which of the following colors is toxic when used as pigment? a. mars black b. cobalt blue c. burnt sienna d. ultramarine violet
B Mars black, burnt sienna, and ultramarine violet contain no toxic elements. In contrast, cobalt pigments are toxic.
In photography, a polarizing filter can be used to a. listen values overall b. reduce or remove reflections c. create a kaleidoscopic image d. shoot a close-up image clearly
B Polarizing filters remove some light that is reflected straight toward the camera lens, thereby reducing glare or removing reflections from surfaces
To dispose of oil-based painting and printmaking products safely, such materials should be a. thrown in the trash as quickly as possible b. deposited in an approved container c. stored indefinitely in a metal cabinet d. placed in a general recycling bin
B Safe disposal of oil-based products, such as paint and ink, is linked to a variety of hazards that these products pose, such as inhalation and flammability. They should never be thrown into general trash, stored indefinitely, or placed in general recycling bins. Approved containers, such as covered metal trash cans, provide safe short-term disposal for oil-based products.
Which of the following is most important for an artist to do to ensure safety in the studio? a. wash hands frequently when working with acrylic paints b. wear safety glasses when using power tools c. wear a ventilator when working with photochemicals d. wear rubber gloves when using turpentine
B Safety glasses are among the most important pieces of safety equipment in a wood shop or art studio. They prevent serious eye injury by protecting the eyes from the resulting dust, debris, and wood shavings that power tools like drills or saws may produce
Which of the following artists was strongly influenced by Freud's writings on psychoanalysis? a. Henri Matisse b. Salvador Dali c. Georgia O'Keeffe d. Cindy Sherman
B Salvador Dalí, a prominent member of the Surrealist movement, was greatly influenced by Sigmund Freud's theory of psychoanalysis, particularly Freud's conception of the unconscious and the importance of dreams.
This work, Noctume in Black and Gold: the Falling Rocket, painted by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, promotes which of the following philosophical stances? a. art should be created so that "form follows function" b. art can be created for the sake of its intrinsic beauty alone c. art should be accessible to and have universal appeal for the masses d. art relies on the use of commonly understood abstract symbols
B The artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler was an American expatriate living in London, whose aesthetic philosophy was "l'art pour l'art" (art for art's sake). In 1877, Whistler exhibited Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket, a semiabstract landscape composed in layers of translucent atmospheric color. This work outraged conservative art critics. The powerful art critic John Ruskin wrote a sharply critical article about the painting. In response Whistler, charging slander, sued Ruskin for damages. Although Whistler won the case in court he was only awarded a farthing (the smallest coin in the realm). Yet he did succeed in making a case for artistic beauty existing independently of realistic subject matter. His belief that art could be created for its intrinsic beauty alone laid the groundwork for the modern art movement.
The mark making in Elizabeth Catlett's Sharecropper, shown, identifies the print as a. a serigraph b. a linocut c. an engraving d. a lithograph
B The patterns of black and white in the print are the result of each white mark having been cut out of a block so that the marks remain white when the surface of the block is inked and the block is printed. These patterns and the contrast between white and black help make the print recognizable as a linoleum block print, or linocut
A designer who carefully selects a particular typeface to use in a design is likely to be most concerned with the a. history of the use of the typeface b. exact shapes of the letters c. familiarity or novelty of the typeface to the general public d. size difference between the capital and lowercase letters
B The shapes of the letters in a typeface necessarily have a critical impact on the overall look of the design. Depending on the content, the designer might want to be bold, delicate, simple, decorative, and so on. In addition, the letter shapes together comprise the overall shape of each word.
Which of the following artists created mobiles as a sculptural avenue to explore "freedom of movement, the joy of ceaseless recombination of shapes"? a. Henry Moore b. Alexander Calder c. Louise Nevelson d. Barbara Hepworth
B The signature works of Alexander Calder, the inventor of the mobile, are hanging mobiles set into motion by air currents and standing motorized stabiles. Using diverse materials for the free-form shapes, Calder often worked on a monumental scale and considered his work "four-dimensional drawings."
Which of the following color models is used in most computer monitors? a. RYB b. RGB c. CMYK d. CIELAB
B The term "RGB" stands for red, green, and blue and refers to an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are mixed together to form any color. The electronic display screens of televisions and computer monitors use RGB to generate the colorful images you see on the screen.
which of the following conventions of representation is used in the Benin sculpture shown? a. central axis b. hierarchy of scale c. system of ideal proportions d. personifications
B This bronze plaque from Benin in Africa depicts a king (oba) in ceremonial garb surrounded by attendants. Compared to the other figures, the king is shown as abnormally large, which signifies his high social status. Intentional enlarging of more important elements is characteristic of what art historians call "hierarchy of scale."
The Modernist art movement that glorified the machine by stating that "a speeding motorcar ... is more beautiful than the Nike of Samothrace" was a. Cubism b. Futurism c. Dadaism d. Fauvism
B Futurism, which began in Italy in 1909, brought to art the motion, noise, and power of machinery. The Futurists issued several manifestos putting forth the idea of adding mechanized movement to the Cubist ideals of showing multiple points of view.
The development of oil paints in the fifteenth century gave artists greater ability to do which of the following? a. work on quick-drying surfaces b. record fine detail c. mix colors freely d. portray minute gradations of light
B, C, D The development of oil paints by fifteenth century Northern European artists like Jan Van Eyck led to its adoption as the major European painting medium by the sixteenth century. The versatility of slow drying oil paint offered artists opportunities for new painting techniques. Painters could now record fine detail, blend colors freely, and depict gradations of light in contrast to the previously traditional medium of egg tempera. Oil painting afforded Renaissance artists the ability to refine their striving for realistic illusionism.
The process of making a lithographic print may include which of the following? a. applying ink to a flat, smooth surface and drawing into the ink b. Applying an acid-resistant coating to a metal plate and scratching the coating with a needle c. drawing on a plate with a greasy crayon and applying ink, which adheres to the crayon d. cutting away the negative space on a wood block applying ink to the remaining surface
C Lithography relies on the fact that oil and water do not mix. The image for a lithograph is drawn with a greasy crayon on a smooth surface, traditionally limestone although other surfaces are also used. To make a print, the non-image portion of the surface is coated with a watery substance such as gum arabic. When an oil-based ink is rolled out on the whole surface, the oil-based ink adheres to the greasy drawing and is repelled by the water on the rest of the stone so that the image can be printed.
Electric mixers, window screens, lint from a clothes dryer, deckles, and couch sheets are typically used for a. dyeing fabric b. making mobiles c. making paper d. building furniture models
C All of the equipment listed is often used for papermaking but not for the other processes mentioned.
In a nonrepresentational work of art, which of the following elements is most likely to contribute to a sense of spatial depth? a. a strong color palette b. a variety of lines c. overlapping shapes d. overall texture
C Although any of the other might contribute to a sense of space, overlapping shapes are tied to the basic human perception of space: if a shape or form that a person sees is interrupted by another shape or form that overlaps it, the brain interprets this to mean that the interrupted shape is behind the overlapping one. Artists make sue of this fact of perception to create the illusion of space through overlapping shapes.
For millennia, artists working in two dimensions have transferred small compositions to larger surfaces through the use of a a. lens b. mirror c. grid d. pinhole camera
C Ancient Egyptians used a grid-to-grid method to enlarge designs for wall murals. Thousands of years later, contemporary artists and artisans still use this low-tech way to copy or enlarge an image.
When a painting is described as "painterly," it indicates that the artist has used the paint a. in a very precise, controlled manner b. with subtle shifts in value and color c. in a loose, gestural way d. with no evidence of brushstrokes
C Describing a work as "painterly" implies that it contains a departure from strict realism and has the appearance of a painting (as opposed to a drawing or photograph). Painterly works are characterized by loose, gestural uses of color and texture as well as visible brushstrokes.
All of the following terms refer to ways of joining two pieces of metal EXCEPT a. soldering b. riveting c. forging d. welding
C Forging is a traditional method that blacksmiths have used in which metal is heated and then shaped with a hammer. Each of the other terms refers to a process that is used to join metal pieces.
The Cornaro Chapel by Bernini is characteristic of which of the following art-historical styles? a. Romanesque b. Renaissance c. Baroque d. Rococo
C Gian Lorenzo Bernini was an extremely successful seventeenth century Italian sculptor, painter, and architect. His Cornaro Chapel, commissioned by Cardinal Federigo Cornaro, is considered a masterpiece of the Baroque style.
An artist who wants an orange area in a work to appear brighter and lighter would most likely surround the orange with which of the following colors? a. dark green b. bright yellow-green c. dark, dull blue d. light, bright red-orange
C In his 1839 book The Laws of Contrast of Colour, Michel Eugene Chevreul defined "simultaneous contrast" after observing that colors seem to change when surrounded by other colors. The effect can be seen most strikingly when a cool his surrounded by its opposite in hue and value. In this case, where the complement of orange is blue, dark blue would make the orange look lighter and a dull blue would make it look brighter.
When a kiln is being used indoors, the best way to keep the room it is in safely ventilated is to have a. open windows at all times b. ceiling fans creating a cross draft c. a downdraft ventilation system d. an overhead fume detector
C Indoor kilns require mechanized ventilation for adequate safety. Harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide, metal fumes, and sulfur oxides can degrade indoor air, posing health and safety risks. A downdraft ventilation system mounted underneath the kiln gives the most extensive exhaust ventilation by capturing fumes from inside the kiln before they enter the room and venting them safely outdoors.
Which of the following statements is applicable to this painting by Jacob Lawrence called Barber Shop? a. the artist uses flat color to create the illusion of deep space b. the use of organic shapes creates a composition that flows from one figure to another c. shapes and colors are repeated to create visual rhythm d. neutral tones create a somber scene
C Lawrence uses a variety of repeated shapes (such as the triangular barber capes and the shapes of the men's arms) and colors (such as the dark browns, light blues, greens and red/oranges) to create an intricate combination of rhythms in the composition.
Which of the following strategies would contribute most to safe practice for an artist who is machine buffing a piece of metal jewelry? a. wearing clothing that is loose enables free movement around the machine b. holding the piece with a firm grip so that it cannot fly off the machine c. tying back long hair to keep it from being caught in the machine d. wearing heat-resistant gloves to protect the fingers from the machine
C Machine buffers spin at a rapid pace. tying back long hair is extremely important; if hair were to become tanned in a buffing machine, serious neck injury could result
When painting Europe After the Rain II, Max Ernst created the foreground by placing a piece of paper on the painted surface and then pulling the paper away, creating accidental patterns and textures that provided the Surrealist artist with which of the following? a. A last layer of embellishment to enrich the color palette b. An important element in a carefully planned composition c. The basis for form inspired by free association. d. a way to creatively erase painting mistakes
C Max Ernst often used automatic techniques to free his unconscious imagination and provide inspiration for new subject matter. In some of his later work, evident in Europe After the Rain II, he experimented with a process called decalcomania to create the foliage-like patterns that provided the basis for this strange and dreamlike landscape.
Which of the following media produces a work with such a delicate surface that it is necessary to protect it by mounting it under glass or spraying it with a fixative? a. tempera b. oil stick c. pastel d. watercolor
C Pastels are primarily composed of finely ground pigment rolled into round or square sticks and held together with a minimal amount of a nonoily binder. Drawings created with pastels have a dry, powdery surface. Pastel colors may be easily blended and never crack, darken, or yellow. However, a pastel drawing surface is also quite delicate and generally needs to be protected by a fixative and mounted under glass.
Which of the following accurately describe this Kwakiutl mask? a. it realistically interprets a mythological animal b. it represents a naturalistic portrait a shaman c. it is a stylized and expressionistic portrait d. it is a nonrepresentational mask of an animal
C The Kwakiutl, also known as the Kwakwaka'wakw, are an indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest known for their masterfully carved totem poles, masks, and canoes. Their stylized and expressive masks make up a large portion of their ceremonial art and are important in the portrayal of characters central to their traditional dance ceremonies.
The building shown was first built for use as a a. Catholic church b. Roman temple c. Greek temple d. mosque
C The Porch of the Maidens occupies the southwest corner of the large Ionic temple known as the Erechtheum, built in the late fifth century b.c.e. on the acropolis in Athens, Greece.
The translucent ceramic glaze with a green cast that was invented in ancient China is called a. imari b. jade c. celadon d. iron oxide
C The Western term "celadon" refers to the translucent ceramic glaze with a green cast that was first developed in China during the Shang dynasty (circa 1600-1050 B.C.E.).
The concept of the sublime is best defined as an experience that provokes a sense of a. tranquility b. pity c. awe d. confusion
C The aesthetic concept concerning the sublime was taken up in earnest in eighteenth-century England. A sublime quality in nature is distinct from beauty and is best defined as an experience that provokes a sense of awe.
Which of the following is the most professional way to display two- and three-dimensional artwork groupings? a. Mat the two-dimensional works and place them alongside the three-dimensional works on a table covered with a cloth. b. Tape the matted two-dimensional works directly to the wall and place the three-dimensional works on a bare table. c. Hang the matted and framed two-dimensional works on the wall and place the three-dimensional works on bases. d. Tape the two-dimensional works on a wall covered in bright paper and place the three-dimensional works on bases covered in paper of a related color.
C The most professional way to display artwork groupings is to mat, frame, and hang the two-dimensional works on the wall and put the three-dimensional works on bases.
Which of the following processes illustrates the principle of "fat over lean"? a. using water-soluble crayons to create an image for a mono print b. painting a completed papier-mâché mask with acrylic paint c. using oil pastels over a layer of gouache in a drawing d. creating a batik by using the traditional wax-resist process
C "Fat over lean" derives from the characteristics of media with a high oil content ("fat") versus media with a lower oil content ("lean"). Because of differences in drying time, the paint with more oil must be painted over the paint with less oil; if the top layer contains less oil than the bottom layer, the top layer will crack. Since gouache paint contains no oil, it is safe to use oil pastels over gouache.
The Barcelona chair, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, exemplifies the aesthetic criteria of which of the following design movements? a. postmodern b. art deco c. bauhaus d. art nouveau
C The Barcelona chair is an example of Bauhaus-inspired design and was created for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition of 1929 hosted by Barcelona, Spain. The Bauhaus was a German design school (1919-1933) that famously combined fine arts, craft, and industrial design. The Bauhaus style had a profound influence on Modernist architecture and modern design. The designers of the Barcelona chair, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, were both modernist designers with ties to the Bauhaus. Architect Mies van der Rohe served as the last director of the school (1930-1933) and appointed his frequent collaborator Lilly Reich to direct the Bauhaus interior design workshop.
Which of the following terms refers to the surface texture of paper? a. grain b. support c. tooth d. sizing
C The tooth of a piece of paper is a factor in determining the media that can be used on it. For example, chalk pastels require paper with a noticeable tooth to catch the fine particles of color; other media, such as pen and ink, can be used on paper with virtually no tooth.
Which of the following pieces of equipment can be used in a ceramics studio to create desired forms? a. burin b. lathe c. extruder d. bezel
C To extrude means to shape a material by forcing it through an opening. A clay extruder is used in this way to create desired clay forms.
A traditional way to create patterns on the surface of a three-dimensional object is to use a. papier-mâché formed over a simpel armature b. colored photographs arranged and glued into a plastic surface c. silver wire fused to a hammered steel article d. wood pieces inlaid into a contrasting wooden surface
D A traditional way to create patterns on the surface of a three-dimensional object is to use wood inlay. In this process, small pieces of wood (of one or more colors) are inlaid into a wooden surface of yet another color or value. Through this process, elaborate designs can be created, from geometric patterns through various kinds of more linear, elaborate patterns.
The focal point of Lilly martin Spencer's portrait Benjamin Rush Spencer is created primarily through these of a. repetition b. texture c. shape d. value
D As with many portraits, the focal point of the drawing is the subject's eyes. Spencer used gradually darker values moving toward the left side of the face to focus attention on the darkest area, the eyes.
To create intricately patterned batiks, Javanese artists work in stages using which of the following techniques? a. they crumple the raw fabric throughout the dyeing process b. they tie synthetic threads tightly around pleated fabric c. they apply layers of bleach to strongly colored fabric d. they work with progressively darker dye colors
D Batik is the traditional textile art form of Indonesia. The design traditionally begins with a wax design applied to a piece of white cotton fabric. Artists paint with hot melted wax on the dry fabric using a tool called a tjanting. The fabric is then placed in a light-colored dye bath. After the fabric is dry, a new layer of wax pattern is applied and the fabric is dyed with a new color. As each new layer of wax pattern is applied, the fabric is dipped in progressively darker dyes (or left in dye baths for longer periods of time for a darker result) resulting in elaborate patterns.
Judy Chicago's Dinner Party celebrates a. traditional family values, with an emphasis on motherhood b. the first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims c. the role of women as food providers d. the achievements and contributions of women throughout history
D Celebrating the achievements of women throughout history, the "table" created for Judy Chicago's Dinner Party is set with 39 place settings, each dedicated to an important woman (e.g., Georgia O'Keefe, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth); the names of 999 additional "women of achievement" are inscribed on the floor of the piece.
Daguerreotypes are a type of a. lithograph b. engraving c. woodcut d. photograph
D Daguerreotypes are early photographs produced by an obsolete photographic process named for Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, the primary inventor. The highly detailed daguerreotype image is formed on a metal sheet with a highly polished silver surface without the use of a negative. Daguerreotypes were the first practical form of permanent photography.
The philosopher Arthur Danto laid the groundwork for an institutional theory of art that rests on which of the following ideas? a. art is an imitation of an imitation b. art is expressing oneself c. art is the human rage for chaos d. art is determined by the artworld
D Danto actually coined the term "artworld" by which he meant "an atmosphere of artistic theory, a knowledge of the history of art." In his writing, he compared the evolution of the artworld to that of ever-changing scientific theories. Basically, Danto theorized art is art when it has been intentionally presented for inclusion in the artworld, which is the beginning of the institutional theory of art put forth by George Dickie.
Which of the following is an ancient Chinese form of silk decoration? a. cross-stitch b. needlepoint c. smocking d. embroidery
D In China, the domestication of silkworms led to the production of silk fabrics and threads which gave rise thousands of years ago to the art of silk embroidery.
the gauge of wire refers to the wire's a. resistance to rust b. metal components c. coating d. thickness
D In wire gauge systems the larger the number, the smaller the gauge or thickness. For example: 6 gauge wire is thick and 22 gauge wire is fine, like thread.
Manufacturers' information about the toxicity and safety of art supplies they produce can be found in a. art department guidelines at local colleges b. state and county health regulations c. national art education associations publications d. material safety data sheets
D Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide information about any possible danger associated with the use of an art product as well as information about how to handle accidents, recognize symptoms of overexposure, and so on. MSDS are important in school are because they alert the consumer to any possible problems.
Which of the following design principles is exemplified by Eva Hesse's installation? a. contrast b. figure-ground relationship c. proportion d. repetition
D Repetition is the visual key that ties this piece together, unifies it, and controls the viewer's eye. As evident in this piece, Repetition Nineteen I, artist Eva Hesse often created elaborate, handmade pieces involving obsessive repetition.
William Michael Harnett's Still Life - Violin and Music exemplifies which of the following? a. three-point perspective b. foreshortening c. radial symmetry d. Trompe l'oeil
D The Irish-American artist William Michael Harnett is well known for his trompe l'oeil still life paintings of common objects. This style of trompe l'oeil was developed by Harnett and copied by many other artists. The painting shown exemplifies the technique.
Work with which of the following requires good ventilation? a. soft charcoal for drawing b. india ink for calligraphy c. acrylic extender for painting d. acid bath for etching
D The acids used for etching produce fumes that can cause health hazards. An acid bath must be used in a well-ventilated space
The objects depicted in the painting An Oyster Breakfast by Willem van Aelst's symbolize the a. wealth of the Catholic Church b. study of medicine c. ravages of the Plague d. brevity of life
D The painting An Oyster Breakfast by Willem van Aelst contains symbolic references to the theme of vanitas, which emphasizes the brevity of life. In vanitas still lifes, an abundance of food can be seen as a symbol of luxury but at the same time has a double meaning: food does not last forever and life does not, either. This is emphasized through the representation of highly perishable food such as oysters.
Which of the following statements accurately describes The Red Model by Rene Magritte? a. cool colors are used to create a peaceful mood b. the dominant principle of design in the work is repetition c. the flat background is used to destroy the viewer's sense of visual space d. Dissimilar elements are juxtaposed to create unsetting contrast
D The term "juxtapose" means to place two dissimilar things together often to compare or contrast them. Belgian artist Rene Magritte was a Surrealist painter who is famous for fantastic images produced by means of unnatural and irrational juxtapositions. In creating The Red Model, Magritte Juxtaposed the top of the boots with the feet that would be inside the boots. The realistically depicted image blends human feel with inorganic boots, creating an unsettling effect for the viewer.
In a 2D work of art, a bird's-eye or worm's-eye view of an object can best be achieved by using which of the following perspectives? a. atmospheric b. one-point c. two-point d. three-point
D Three-point perspective involves three vanishing points: two recede toward the horizon line as in 2-point perspective. The third vanishing point is used to show the vertical recession of parallel lines that are vertical to the ground. The addition of the third vanishing point makes it possible to depict a form from above (bird's-eye view) or below (worm's-eye view).
To convey mood in a time-based medium, an artist would most likely manipulate a. positive and negative space b. shape and balance c. texture and repetition d. light and motion
D Time-based media such as video, film, slide shows, audio, or computer-based technologies all use duration, a dimension that unfolds over time for the viewer. Time-based contemporary artworks are composed of sequences in time and space that use elements of light, sound, and motion. Light can be manipulated through time to create changing emotional contexts (e.g. a quickly darkening sky). Motion can also be manipulated to convey mood or express emotion (e.g., a person strolling along a road compared with a person running and panting along the same road).
In the 1800s, the painting The Fifer by Edouard Manet, shown, created a controversy among art critics primarily because the artist painted a. a young man dressed in a military uniform b. an unflattering political image c. a portrait it a limited primary color range d. a flattened figure with few shadows and little modeling
D Édouard Manet's painting The Fifer, while now recognized as a masterpiece of early modernism, was not well appreciated in the artist's own time. The painting depicts a teenage musician from a ceremonial military band. Rather than model his subject conventionally using Renaissance chiaroscuro, the artist shocked critics by choosing to render the figure brightly lit from the front with little modeling and only a hint of shadow behind, giving the painting a curious flatness. The painting was refused at the Paris Salon of 1866 under the pretext that the modeling was flat. The painting was exhibited in 1867 and included in the major retrospective exhibition of Manet's work after his death in 1883. The Fifer currently resides in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France.
To serve their function as places of spiritual renewal, classical Japanese Zen gardens typically contain which of the following? a. cascading waterfalls b. bridges crossing koi ponds c. flower plantings arranged in symbolic patterns d. rocks encircled by raked patterns in white gravel
D Classical Japanese Zen gardens are dry gardens that feature arrangements of prominently placed rocks surrounded by raked water-like patterns in sand or gravel. The flowing patterns represent water and, consequently, the still waters of the mind.
Which of the following is labeled as a hazardous material? a. tempera paint b. white glue c. graphite d. rubber cement
D Rubber cement is labeled as a hazardous material. Rubber cement is potentially fatal if swallowed and may cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation as well as allergic reactions. The solvents in rubber cement are also dangerously flammable.
Which of the following is a feature of Hokusai's Japanese landscape (View of Konodrai) that would distinguish it from a European landscape painting or print created prior to 1850 ? a. the flat use of color and abstract shapes b. the idealization of nature c. the use of could formations as a significant compositional element d. the inclusion of buildings as well as natural forms
A Hokusai is one of the Japanese printmakers whose work was imported to Paris in the mid-nineteenth century and strongly influenced artists such as Degas and Cassatt. One of the aspects of the imported ukiyo-e prints that most impressed European artists was the way representation of space was changed by using areas of relatively flat color to compose an image. Because they are not modeled as required in European tradition, many of the color areas, such as the cloud formation and the triangular roofs of the buildings, read as abstract shapes.
Which of the following architectural structures is characteristic of early Buddhist sanctuaries in South Asia? a. stupa b. torii c. Mihrab d. ziggurat
A Stupas are an architectural form characteristic of early South Asian Buddhism. They are round structures, typically bell-shaped or pyramidal.
The eighteenth-century painter and graphic artist William Hogarth produced a series of pictures that functioned chiefly as a. social satire b. landscape travel views c. lessons form the Bible d. historical narratives
A William Hogarth examined the mores and activities of the social and economic classes in his satirical moral works, which were painted and later engraved. In A Harlot's Progress (1732) he shows the downward spiral in the life of a prostitute. A Rake's Progress (1735) looks at the newly prosperous middle class, and Marriage à la mode (1745) portrays upper-middle-class society.
Which of the following are accurate statements about mono printing? Select all that apply. A. Both water-based and oil-based inks can be used to produce mono prints B. The time required to create a single print is generally longer than the time required for other printmaking processes. C. Monoprinting is well suited to the creation of loose and expressive images D. Monoprinting is a particularly effective way to produce a large edition of identical prints.
A, C Monoprinting does not limit the artist to either water-based or oil-based ink and the choice between them is likely to be made according to the context; for example, working in a professional printmaking studio as opposed to working in a situation where toxicity and ease of cleanup are greater concerns. Ink can be applied to a monoprint plate in a wide variety of ways, including direct painting with ink and/or solvent, making marks in the ink after it is rolled out on the plate, laying paper directly on the inked plate and then drawing, and so on.
The Fauves ("wild beasts") were given this name by an art critic, in part because of their striking use of a. line b. color c. shape d. texture
B At the beginning of the twentieth century, Henri Matisse and André Derain led a group of artists who painted with bold, vivid color. In 1905 the Salon d'Automne held an exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris, which included several works by Matisse, Derain, and others in the group. At this exhibition the nickname "les fauves," which means "wild beasts," was coined by art critic Louis Vauxcelles. After viewing the 1905 exhibit, Vauxcelles described the scene as "Donatello au mileau des fauves!" (Donatello among the wild beasts!). The art group was, henceforth, called "fauves," and the first art movement of the modern age became known as "Fauvism."
Which of the following terms refers to the liquid that holds pigment in suspension? a. finish b. vehicle c. solvent d. extender
B The term "vehicle" refers to the liquid constituent of paint that holds pigment in suspension.
The Red Tree by Piet Mondrian, illustrates the use of which of the following principles of design? a. radial symmetry with a central emphasis b. dynamic balance around a vertical axis c. complex figure on a simple ground d. exaggerated proportion
B The tree's trunk and the branches that extend to the right create and arc. A vertical axis at the highest point of the tree would show balanced left and right halves of the image. They are not symmetrical, because the shapes on either side are not the same, but the thick trunk is balanced by the greater area of lighter branches on the right.
A line that crosses a surface and defines changes in the surface of the form is known as a a. calligraphic line b. cross-contour line c. contour line d. hatching
B Cross-contour line refers to the use of lines, usually in parallel groupings that are drawn across a shape to show form and volume.
Professional digital film editing is most often done using a. a Moviola b. Final Cut Pro c. Pro Tools d. a camcorder
B Final Cut Pro is presently the industry standard for digital video editing and the prime means of post-production for the film and television industry.
Which of the following actions a safe studio practice? a. making sure the edges of carving tools are dull to reduce the risk of injury b. using a wet mop to remove clay dust along with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner c. using an extension cord with multiple sockets instead of plugging electrical tools into a wall socket d. after baking oven-heartening clay, letting cookie sheets cool completely before using them to bake food
B long-term exposure to clay dust can led to silicosis, a serious lunch ailment. Best studio practices for clay dust include wiping down surfaces with a wet mop or sponge and vacuuming with a HEPA-filter-equpped vacuum that captures particles 0.3 micron in diameter and larger.
Which of the following accurately characterize Color-Field painting? a. careful application of thickly painted texture for a realistic effect b. use of overlapping and interacting area of thin washes of flat color c. huge canvases that treat the surface as a field of vision d. painted layers of small brushstrokes that create a sense of depth
B, C Color-Field painting is a branch of Abstract Expressionism called Post-Painterly Abstraction by the famous art critic Clement Greenberg. Helen Frankenthaler, Morris Lewis, and Mark Rothko are all considered within this stylistic school. Large abstract canvases painted or stained with glowing areas of overlapping and interacting flat color best characterize Color-Field painting.
Which of the following qualities best characterize the work of the painter Caravaggio? Select all that apply. a. figural abstraction b. dramatic use of light c. idealized subjects d. gritty naturalism
B, D The work of the painter Caravaggio is best characterized by its dramatic use of light and gritty naturalism.
Knowledge of Byzantine art before the ninth century is fragmented, largely because of the a. arab overthrow of the emperor constantine b. influence of Persian religious cults in Byzantium c. iconoclastas' destruction of icons during the 8th century d. lack of devotion to icons before the 9th century
C In general, "iconoclasm" refers to the destruction of images for religious or political reasons. In the eighth and early ninth centuries, there was a wave of iconoclasm that resulted in a ban on religious figurative images. Many Byzantine icons were destroyed during this period.
Which of the following is a drawing process that uses changes in value to represent a three-dimensional surface? a. stippling b. simulation c. modeling d. linear perspective
C In the context of drawing, modeling refers to the use of changes in value to represent a three-dimensional surface.
In addition to the shape created by the internal red lines on the illuminated manuscript page, the distinction between figure and ground is created through a. the shapes formed in the corners b. the use of radial symmetry to balance the design c. shifts in color relationships d. rhythm and repetition across the entire page
C The figure, which is the shape outlined in red, and the ground around it are each filled with intricate multicolored interlace. The dominant red/green combination in the figure helps to set it off from the ground, with its dominant blue/yellow combination.
A natural colorant traditionally used to dye cotton fibers a deep blue is a. lapis lazuli b. cornflower c. turquoise d. indigo
D A bright and deeply blue color, indigo is among the oldest dyes used for textile dyeing and printing.
A megapixel is composed of a. one hundred pixels b. one thousand pixels c. one hundred thousand pixels d. one million pixels
D A megapixel is composed of one million pixels.
Most of these colossal heads were found defaced and buried, probably to mark the death of a ruler of which of the following civilizations? a. Aztec b. Inca c. Maya d. Olmec
D Enormous stone representations of human heads are the distinctive legacy of the Olmec civilization of ancient Mesoamerica. The monumental sculptures, carved from massive basalt boulders, can measure almost nine feet high and weigh nearly eight tons. The seventeen confirmed examples of Olmec colossal heads all display individualistic facial features, leading many experts to consider them possible portraits of actual rulers.
The negative areas in a work of art are best defined as which of the following? a. the areas that are occupied by a recognizable object b. the areas that constitute the foreground of the work c. the areas that contain the least amount of detail d. the areas that are not occupied by objects
D In art, the shapes, marks, figures and so on that make up the subject or emphasize the subject of a work are called positive shapes. In contrast, negative areas in a work of art are defined as space that is unoccupied by an object, shape, etc. In some cases, this is referred to as a figure (positive shape)/ground (negative spaces) relationship.
Which of the following is a feature of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling that was revealed after the ceiling had been cleaned, altering critical understanding of the ceiling? a. a structural grid b. a hidden self-portrait c. passages of text d. vibrant colors
D Many consider Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes, finished over five hundred years ago, to be the greatest work of art in the Western world. In 1980, the Vatican announced restoration plans for this famous work. Although still controversial, the cleaning of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes revealed vivid colors that surprised people. Arguably the greatest art conservation project of the twentieth century, the project cost millions of dollars, took twelve years to complete, and brought together an international team of the greatest conservationists and art historians of the time.
the architecture of the Great Mosque at Cordoba features a. an open, central space with an altar in the center b. a large, flat area of wall space broken up by stained-glass windows c. a huge portal with guardian figures on either side d. a hypostyle hall topped by large horseshoe-shaped arches
D Many traditional Islamic mosques, such as the Great Mosque at Córdoba, are notable for a large hall called a hypostyle hall, in which the roof is supported by several rows of columns topped with large horseshoe-shaped arches.
Which of the following digital camera settings controls the length of time during which light can enter the camera? a. white balance b. f-stop c. bracketing d. shutter speed
D The shutter speed setting controls the length of time during which light can enter the camera.
All of the following actions are appropriate steps to take when preparing a charcoal drawing for shipping EXCEPT a. mounting the drawing on a backing board b. taping a same-sized paper on top of the drawing c. spraying the drawing with fixative d. carefully rolling the drawing into a mailing tube
D The surface of a charcoal drawing is fragile because of the fine particles of dust that lie on the paper. Rolling a charcoal drawing would present the risk of damage to the surface from the pressure of the tube or the surrounding layers of the drawing.
In digital imaging, series of pixels that can be used to compose images are known as a. analog systems b. microprocessors c. batch files d. bitmaps
D The term "bitmap" comes from the bits of information (pixels) that are combined to form an image (map).
Of the following, the type of ceramic product that requires the highest firing temperature is a. terracotta b. stoneware c. raku d. true porcelain
D To obtain its optimum density, true porcelain is fired at temperatures above 2,300º F, which is higher than the firing temperatures required for any of the other types of ceramic wares listed.
It is safe to unload bisque ware form the kiln when a. pieces inside have stopped glowing red and and have returned to their natural clay colors b. a rolled up newspaper inserted into the kilns peephole turns brown without igniting c. silicone mitts are used to remove the pieces after temperature has fallen to 400 degrees F d. the outside of the kiln is cool to the touch and the pieces can be easily touched by hand
D It is never safe to open an kiln at any temperature over 200 degrees F
If a primary color is mixed with a secondary color next to it on the color wheel, the resulting color is called a. monochromatic b. complementary c. analogous d. tertiary
D Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary color and an adjacent secondary color, two secondary colors, or a primary color and a non-adjacent secondary color. Since the situation described falls into the first of these categories, the result would be a tertiary color.
In ceramics, "slip" is a term used to describe a. clay suspended in water b. extruded clay c. pigmented glaze d. a hand-building technique
A In ceramics, "slip" is a liquefied suspension of clay particles in water. It is used for a variety of processes in ceramics.
Of the following, the decorative motifs of the 18th century architect Robert Adam and his interior ceiling are most similar to those found on a. wedgwood pottery b. roman fresco c. chinoiserie furniture d. art nouveau glassware
A It is no coincidence that the decorative motifs of the eighteenth-century interior design of Robert Adam are similar to those found on Wedgwood pottery. Josiah Wedgwood was a personal friend of Adam and a great follower of contemporary taste and fashion. After the Neoclassical style was popularized by architects like Adam, Wedgwood went to work in order to develop a new ceramic body that would harmonize with the pastel shades of Adam's interior walls and delicate white plasterwork. After nearly 3,000 tries, he succeeded in creating Wedgwood pottery's signature pastel-colored jasperware with white relief ornamentation.
In Ravenna's church of San Vitale, the richly colored Empress Theodora and Her Attendants was created in which of the following media? a. glass tesserae b. oil on canvas c. tempera paint d. fresco
A This representation of Empress Theodora and Her Attendants is a Byzantine wall mosaic created using tiny glass tiles called tesserae.
Which of the following characteristics contributes most to the dynamic nature of the shapes in Malevich's composition? a. Diagonal Placement b. strong colors c. asymmetrical groupings d. symbolic nature
A Through there are strong colors and asymmetrical groups of shapes in the painting, it is the use of diagonals i the composition that creates the sense of dynamism and movement. Because of the way he uses diagonals, Malevich is able to create a composition that is dynamic despite its relative simplicity.
Which of the following art materials can be used safely in any room, regardless of its ventilation? a. watercolor b. acetone c. rubber cement d. encaustic
A Watercolor does not pose any danger to artists through inhalation and is the one material listed that does not require good ventilation.
Pug mills, slab rollers, and wedging tables are used in a. photography b. printmaking c. ceramics d. jewelry making
C Pug mills, slab rollers, and wedging tables are all used in ceramics. Pug mills are used to mix or knead clay; slab rollers, as the name suggests, are used to roll out even slabs of clay; and wedging tables are used to wedge clay in order to remove air bubbles.
Which of the following is a clear example of post-and-lintel construction? a. The Eiffel Tower b. Sainte-Chapelle c. The Pont du Gard d. Stonehenge
D A lintel is a flat beam that spans posts; the stone construction at Stonehenge is a clear application of this system. None of the buildings mentioned in the other choices employs this construction system.
Which of the following best describes underpainting? a. layering light colors over dark colors b. painting over a perviously finished painting c. applying paint from the lowest quadrant upward d. establishing a toned ground on which to develop the painting
D Underpainting refers to an initial layer of color on a canvas that can be used to establish the overall color tone of the painting, to provide a neutral tone to be worked over with color, and/or to provide the artist with a general reminder of the composition.