Gateways to Art Chapter 1.8 & 1.9

Pattern

An arrangement of predictable repeated elements.

Outline

The outermost line or implied line of an object or figure, by which it is defined or bounded.

Composition

The overall design or organization of a work.

Middle ground

The part of a work between the foreground in the background.

Primary colors

Three basic colors from which all others are derived from.

Simple repetitive rhythm

Artist create repetition by using the same shape, color, size, value, line, or texture over and over again. A repeating "pulse" of similar elements sets up a visual rhythm that viewers can anticipate. Such regularities communicate reassurance.

Alternating rhythm

Artists can intertwine multiple rhythms until they become quite complex. Can add unpredictability and visual excitement.

Single motif

Can be interlaced with others to create complex designs.

Subordination

The opposite of emphasis; It draws our attention away from particular areas of a work. It can also involve deliberately reducing the impact of certain details in a work.

Color

The optical effect caused when reflected white light of the spectrum is divided into separate wavelengths.

Background

The part of a work depicted as behind the main figures.

Foreground

The part of a work depicted as nearest to the viewer.

Emphasis

The principle of drawing attention to particular content within a work.

Rhythm

The regular or ordered repetition of elements in the work. Example - The horizontal distance from one side of a canvas to the other , and the vertical distance from top to bottom.

Taoism

An Eastern religion that emphasizes living in harmony through the Tao, or "Way", by balancing opposite forces ( Yin & Yang).

Façade

Any side of a building, usually the front or entrance.

Abstract

Art imagery that depart from recognizable images from the natural world.

Shape

A two-dimensional area, the boundaries of which are defined by lines were suggested by changes in color or value.

Line

A mark, or implied mark, between two end points.

Woodcut

A print created from an incised piece of wood.

Motif

1. A design or color repeated as a unit in a pattern. 2. A distinctive visual element, the recurrence of which is often characteristic of an artist's work.

Contrast

A drastic difference between such elements as color or value (lightness/darkness) when they are presented together.

Implied line

A line not actually drawn but suggested by elements in the work.

Rhythmic design structure

Helps us understand how artists divided visual space into different kinds of sections to achieve different kinds of effects.

Broad emphasis

Is when an artist emphasizes an entire work in it's wholeness. The artist will intentionally create a conversation that does not have a dominant area of emphasis.

Placement

Is where elements within a composition controls rhythm and creates multiple focal point.

Progressive rhythm

Repetition that regularly increases or decreases in frequency as the eye moves faster or slower across the surface of the work.

Principles

The "grammar" applied to the elements of art - contrast, balance, unity, variety, rhythm, emphasis, pattern, scale, proportion, and focal point.

Elements

The basic vocabulary of art - line, form, shape, volume, mass, color, texture, space, time and motion, and value (lightness/darkness).

Focal point

The center of interest or activity in a work of art, often drawing the viewer's attention to the most important element.

Space

The distance between identifiable points or planes.

Unity

The imposition of order and harmony on a design.

Value

The lightness or darkness of a plane or area.