Art

Informal Balance

A balance of unlike objects

Central Axis

A dividing line that works like the point of balance in the balance scale

Perspective

A method of drawing and painting the illusion of depth onto a flat surface

Shape

A two-dimensional area that is defined in some way

Imitationalism

An aesthetic theory focused on realistic presentation

Formalism

An aesthetic theory that places emphasis on the formal qualities of a work of art

Emotionalism

An aesthetic theory which requires a strong communication of feelings, moods, or emotions from the artwork to the viewer

Color

An element of art that is derived from reflected light

Line

An element of art that is the path of a moving point through space

Art Criticism

An organized approach for studying a work of art

Symmetry

Formal balance in which two halves of a balanced composition are identical, mirror images of each other

Formal Qualities

How well the work is organized

Judgment

In this step, you determine the degree of artistic merit in a work of art

Analysis

In this step, you discover how a work of art is organized

Interpretation

In this step, you explain the meaning or mood of a work of art

Description

In this step, you make a list of what you see in the work of art

Form

Object having three dimensions and depth

Variety

Priciple of art concerned with difference or contrast

Proportion

Principle of art concerned with the size relationships of one part to another

Emphasis

Principle of art that makes one part of a work dominant over the other parts

Expressive Qualities

Qualities that communicate ideas and mood

Criteria

Standards of judgment

Value

The element of art that describes the darkness or lightness of an object

Texture

The element of art that refers to how things feel, or look as if they feel if touched

Space

The element of art that refers to the emptiness or area between, around, above, below, or within objects

Subject

The object or scene that we are dealing with in the composition of our drawing or painting

Aesthetics

The philosophy or study of the nature and value of art

Balance

The principle of art concerned with equalizing visual forces, or elements in a work of art

Harmony

The principle of art that creates unity by stressing the similarities of seperate but related parts

Rhythm

The principle of art that indicates movement by the repetition of elements or objects

Pattern

The principle of art that refers to a two-dimensional decorative visual repitition

Movement

The principle of art used to create the look and feeling of action and to guide the viewer's eyes throughout the work of art

Unity

The quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of art

Picture Plane

The surface area of the picture

Formal Balance

When equal, or very similar elements are placed on opposite sides of a central axis

Radial Balance

When the forces or elements of a design come out from a central point

Aesthetic Experience

Your personal interaction with a work of art