Cleveland Institute of Art: Glossary of Art Terms

Study Notes

Illusion of Space: Achieved by stillness in a composition, emphasizing static elements.
Stylized Representation: Artistic interpretation of natural forms, prioritizing ideals or conventions over exact observation.
Symbol: A shape that represents an abstract concept, invoking universally accepted ideas in viewers' minds.
Technique: The skillful application of tools and materials by artists; influences both aesthetics and the conceptual message of an artwork.
Tension:
- Visual strain or pulling between elements within a composition.
- Balance between conflicting visual forces.
Texture Wash: Refers to the tactile and visual qualities of a surface.

Value Contrast: The interplay of lightness and darkness in artwork, exemplified by black and white.
Chiaroscuro: Blending light and shadow to create volume and a three-dimensional effect, enhancing the realism of forms.
Chroma: Describes the purity and intensity of color, ranging from vibrant pigments to muted tones due to the addition of other colors.

Balance: Maintenance of equal visual weight and attention among elements; provides stability and equilibrium despite potential unbalanced individual relationships.
Community: Represents a shared feeling of unity based on common attitudes, interests, and cultures.

Composition: Arrangement of various elements into a cohesive artwork, creating a unified whole.
Concept/Conceptual: Underlying ideas that explain a work of art, defining its meaning, often compared to its form.
Context: The setting or circumstances within which an artwork is created or understood.

Local Color: The inherent color of objects as perceived naturally, such as green grass or blue sky.
Monochromatic: Artwork employing a single hue, with variations in value and chroma.
Organic Shape: Curvilinear, flowing shapes reflecting the forms found in nature.

Movement: Implied visual sensation achieved through repetition or progressive changes among elements in artwork.
Pattern: Repeated design elements creating a cohesive suggestive rhythm or theme.
Iterative Process: A decision-making approach involving repeated cycles of analysis and action to achieve a desired result.

Painterly Style: Emphasis on the quality of brushwork; tonal masses dominate over lines, defining forms. Notable example includes Edvard Munch’s The Scream.