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Abstract art is art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead use shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks to achieve its effect.

Acrylic paint is water-based fast-drying paint widely used by artists since the 1960s. It can be used thickly or thinly depending how much water is added to it.

Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with the nature of beauty and taste. It is the way that something looks.

Airbrushing is a painting technique which uses an airbrush to give an even and consistent surface, often used to create a high level of realism.

Anti-art is a term used to describe art that challenges the existing accepted definitions of art.

Art deco is a design style from the 1920s and 1930s in furniture, decorative arts and architecture characterised by its geometric character.

Art nouveau is an international style in architecture and design that emerged in the 1890s and is characterised by sinuous lines and flowing organic shapes based on plant forms.

Arts and Crafts was a design movement initiated by William Morris in 1861 which aimed to improve the quality of design and make it available to the widest possible audience.

As applied to art, avant-garde means art that is innovatory, introducing or exploring new forms or subject matter.