words and terms
'Art is not what you see. It is what you make others see.' - Georgia O'Keefe
A
Abstract — abstract art does not try to represent something in reality but instead uses shape, form, colour and marks to make the work.
C
Canvas - a stretched cloth on a wooden frame which makes a durable and good surface for painting on.
Chiaroscuro — where you contrast light and dark. The bigger the contrast the more dramatic the effect.
Collage — putting together different forms to make an art work, usually visual but also in music.
D
Drawing — making marks with instruments on a two dimensional surface, often paper.
E
Embossing — a raised image emerging from the background. A debossed image is sunk into the surface.
F
Figurative — art that is of something (a noun).
Found objects - using things that are natural or made, not made for artists, to make work (plastic waste, sticks and household objects are a few found objects that have found their way into art galleries.
M
Media — pens, pencils, clay, doh, sticks and inks: what you use to make your work.
Mixed Media - using different media to make one piece of work
Modelling — making a 3D model by shaping a malleable material. Clay is a natural modelling material. Fymo and plasticine can also make good models. You can make your own salt doh, there's a recipe at https://www.learning4kids.net/2012/12/09/how-to-make-salt-dough-recipe/
P
Portrait — a picture of a particular person. The best portraits will tell you more than just what someone looks like. They might include clues about what the artist of the sitter. Sometimes what the subject (who is paying for the picture of themself) thinks about themselves.
R
Readymade - something an artist chooses but doesn't really make. One of the most famous was Marcel Duchamp's urinal which he called Fountain and signed R Mutt
Resist — a technique where an oily or waxy material or media resists a watery one. The watery ink or dye colours the surface but not the dye. A waxy or oily mark will resist the ink or water based wash over. Good resistors for drawing include a candle, wax crayon or oil pastel. Washes need to be water based and could include clothes or food dye (watered down), watercolour paint or ink.
S
Scaffitio — where you scratch out to make marks and images. The surface (which may be left or have a base of colour/s) is coated with another layer of pastel, crayon or paint. A sharp tool is then used to scratch out the image, revealing the surface beneath. Oil pastels, wax crayons and acrylic paint are good media to use.
Self Portrait — a drawing, painting, photograph or model of yourself.
Surface — what will you draw or paint or make your marks on? Cardboard, paper, wood. What is available in your household? Cardboard boxes can make strong surfaces. Grey or brown board is good for making dark and light marks on. You can prime a surface before working on it. Emulsion paint on cardboard (the stuff you paint walls with) can make a great surface to work on.
Symbol — a visual device to show something, a symbol can be similar to a logo. Artists include symbols in their work to add meaning.
W
Wash - brushing over a surface with a colour. A wash can be done before or after drawing. You need a good size brush and plenty of wash. If using paint in a tablet (like watercolour) make plenty of wash before using. Use lots of water and pigment and then work quickly. A thicker brush helps keep it wet and get an even wash and avoid seeing where it has dried unevenly. Too thin and the wash will look dry and scratchy. Ink can be mixed with water to make a wash. Food colouring or fabric dye should also work. You can make natural washes or dyes out of things like Red Cabbage.
