Critiquing Tools

Art Vocabulary List

Miniature
A representational work of art made on a greatly reduced scale
http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-glossary-2.asp

Marbling
The art or process of producing certain patterns of a veined or mottled appearance in imitation of marble by means of colors so prepared as to float on a mucilaginous liquid which possesses antagonistic properties to the colors prepared for the purpose.
http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-glossary-2.asp

Abstract
Art that looks as if it contains little or no recognizable or realistic forms from the physical world. Focus is on formal elements such as colors, lines, or shapes. Artists often "abstract" objects by changing, simplifying, or exaggerating what they see.
http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-glossary-2.asp

Applied art
The use of the principles and elements of design to create functional pieces of works of art.
http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-glossary-2.asp

Collage
Collage is from the French meaning "pasteup." Introduced by the Cubists, it is the technique of creating a work of art by adhering flat articles such as paper, fabrics, string or other materials to a flat surface such as a canvas whereby a three-dimensional result is achieved.
http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/arttermsanddefinitions.html

Mural
A large wall painting, often executed in fresco
http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-glossary-2.asp

Art Adjective List

Intermediate
Intermediate colours are obtained by mixing adjoining Primary and Secondary colours.
http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/arttermsanddefinitions.html

Monochromatic
If an artwork is said to be monochromatic, it means that it has been done using tints and tones of a single colour.
http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/arttermsanddefinitions.html

Symmetry
Symmetry is when one side of an artworks balances with the other side. Both sides should be equal.
http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/arttermsanddefinitions.html

Rabbet
The groove under the lip of the moulding that allows space for the mat, glass, art and mounting board.
http://www.stellersgallery.com/Resources/ArtTerms.asp

Palette
The range of color characteristic of a particular artist, painting, or school of art
http://www.stellersgallery.com/Resources/ArtTerms.asp

Still life
A work of art depicting inanimate objects such as fruit, flowers, bottles
http://www.stellersgallery.com/Resources/ArtTerms.asp

Chiaroscuro
The arrangement and relationship of light against dark parts in a work of art
http://www.stellersgallery.com/Resources/ArtTerms.asp

Classical Style
The artistic style of ancient Greek art with its emphasis on proportion and harmony
http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/arttermsanddefinitions.html

Implied line
A line in a work that is subtlety perceived by the viewer but has no physical form; the overall flow of one line into another in a work, with continuation from one area to the next suggested by their common direction and/or juxtaposition.
http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-glossary-2.asp

Tint
Tint is the opposite of shade. Tinting is combining white with a color to make it lighter.
http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/arttermsanddefinitions.html


Elements and Principles of Design

Line
Line is the most fundamental & versatile element. It defines edges of shapes and forms. It can be used to divide spaces in a composition or layout.
http://www.msdsteuben.k12.in.us/jrider/elements_and_principles_of_art.htm
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm

Shape
We join lines together to make a shapeGeometric: Usually angular, appear frequently in man made objects.Curvilinear: Organic, rounded, appear most often in nature.
http://www.msdsteuben.k12.in.us/jrider/elements_and_principles_of_art.htm
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm

Texture
Texture is an extremely important design element when it comes to the visual effectiveness of an artwork. It is the actual surface feel of an area or the simulated appearance of roughness, smoothness. Texture invokes the sensation of touch.
http://www.msdsteuben.k12.in.us/jrider/elements_and_principles_of_art.htm
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm

Shape and Form
Shape is an intrinsic element to design. It is almost impossible to discuss any layout without reference to it. A design can exist without colour, texture or even line, but rarely do they exist without shape.
http://www.msdsteuben.k12.in.us/jrider/elements_and_principles_of_art.htm
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm

Scale
Scale can be used to attract in several ways. It can be used to draw attention to the unexpected or exaggerated.
http://www.msdsteuben.k12.in.us/jrider/elements_and_principles_of_art.htm
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm

Value
Value describes the lightness or darkness of a color. Value is needed to express Volume.
http://www.msdsteuben.k12.in.us/jrider/elements_and_principles_of_art.htm
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm

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Dominance
Dominance gives a painting interest, counteracting confusion and monotony. Dominance can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis.
http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm

Proportion
As a principle of art, proportion describes the size, location or amount of one element to another in a work piece. Proportion has great deal to do with the overall harmony of an individual piece. Proportion may also refer to size relationships in an art piece.
http://arthistory.about.com/cs/glossaries/g/p_proportion.htm

Rhythm
Rhythm is an element of design that is hard to explain in words. Rhythm is when there is a flow or a sense of movement in a design that leads your eyes to the focal point of the design. It is an intentional or regular repetition of lines/shapes to achieve a specific effect or pattern. For example; wavy lines usually give rhythm to an artwork.
http://arthistory.about.com/cs/glossaries/g/r_rhythm.htm

Mood
In art terms, mood is referred to the genereal atmosphere, or state of mind and feelings that an artwork expresses.
http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0097368.html

Unity
Unity happens when all the elements work harmoniously and give the feeling of completeness to the whole piece of design. Unity is hard to describe but you will know when it is present in an artwork as your eyes and brain will be pleased.
http://arthistory.about.com/cs/glossaries/g/u_unity.htm
http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/arttermsanddefinitions.html#u

Balance

Balance is the arrangement of one or more elements of design so that they appear symmetrical (even) or asymmetrical (uneven) in design and proportion.
Symmetrical balance occurs when equal weight is given to the left and the right hand side of a piece. Asymetrical balance occues when elements are placed unevenly in a pice, but together to produce unity.
http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/arttermsanddefinitions.html#p