Vocabulary

Perspective drawing is a system of representing the way that objects appear to get smaller and closer together, the further away they are.

Vanishing Point- The point in perspective drawing that all things get smaller toward

Horizon Line- The line that separates the ground from the sky

Portfolio- A collection of work

Gridding- a method of creating an image. It involves creating a grid on the source image and the drawing paper. The artist then draws what they see in each square

Value Scale- Shading practice that shows value changes from dark to light

Value- The lightness or darkness of a color

Stippling- A way artists show value using a series of dots

Elements of Art

Line- The Path of a moving point

Color- Color is one of the most expressive elements of art and is created by the way light reflects off surfaces

Shape is a closed line. Shapes can be geometric, like squares and circles; or organic, like free-form or natural shapes. Shapes are flat and can express length and width.

Forms are three-dimensional shapes expressing length, width, and depth.

Space is the area between and around objects.

Texture is the surface quality that can be seen and felt.

Value- The lightness or darkness of a color

Principles of Design

Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects

Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.

Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art

Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art.

Proportion The relationship between one thing to another in terms of size

Variety is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through and around the work of art.

Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.

Composition

n Composition- how things are arranged in a piece of art.

n Symmetry- Same image on both sides.

n Asymmetry- Image is not the same on both sides.

n Radial- Elements radiate out from a center point

n Balance –equal amounts of objects on both sides or on top and bottom

n Rule of Thirds – Good places for focal points: intersections of grid lines; left or right columns

n Rule of Odds- Odd numbers are more appealing than even numbers

n Leading Lines- lines literally lead you to the focal point

n Zig-zag or “S” Curve- Creates a zigzag or curve across the page

n Diagonal- Creates a diagonal line or movement across the page

Portfolio- The way artists organize their work

Geometric Shapes- Shapes used in math, usually angular

Organic Shapes- Free form shapes

Tactile Texture- Texture you can actually feel

Implied texture- texture that LOOKS LIKE it would feel a certain way