Glossary
What Does Art Style Mean? Style in art refers to an artist’s unique combination of techniques, processes, and decisions. It develops and evolves over the lifetime of an artist. A distinct style can help with an artist’s branding and recognition. Many people could recognize Vincent van Gogh’s work without seeing the name. Art Style Versus … Read more
Read More
What is Luminosity? The definition of luminosity is something full of light, bright, or shining. In art, it refers to the illusion of light from within the painting. The use of light in a painting can effectively organize a scene and define detail. It can also help create emotion and convey a story. To achieve … Read more
Read More
Fresco is a form of mural painting used to produce grand and often beautiful works on plaster. One of the most famous examples is the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo. Michelangelo, The Creation of Adam, c.1512 The word “fresco” means “fresh” in Italian, referring to the damp lime plaster which frescos are typically painted on. … Read more
Read More
What is Écorché Écorché (which means “flayed” in French) refers to anatomical studies of human or animal forms without skin, having the underlying muscles and tissues exposed. The term is not specific to any medium-it could refer to a drawing, painting, sculpture, or digital work. Artists use écorché to gain a better understanding of what … Read more
Read MoreWhat is Representational Art? Representational art refers to art which represents something, whether that be a tree in a landscape, apple in a still life, or figure in a portrait. Or in other words, it is art which is clearly identifiable as something which already exists in life. Below are some examples of representational art, starting … Read more
Read More
Raking light refers to a light source which is set at an acute or nearly parallel angle to objects in a painting. Objects being hit by raking light will be half in light and half in shadow and will have long cast shadows. Surrealist artists like Salvador Dali and Giorgio de Chirico used raking light … Read more
Read More
Triptych refers to art that is made up of three panels. The term originates from the Greek word ‘triptykhos’, meaning ‘three-layered’ or ‘three folds’. The panels that form a triptych are often attached to one another with hinges, allowing the two outer panels (or wings) to fold inward and cover the central panel. However, contemporary triptychs … Read more
Read More
Dappled light refers to that spotted light which typically comes through gaps in a tree canopy. Below is a great example by Claude Monet-notice the spots of light orange amongst the dark purple shadows. Claude Monet, Garden Path, 1901 The shapes created by the dappled light vary based on: The position of the sun; The … Read more
Read More
Contrapposto is Italian for “opposite” or “counter”. In art, it refers to the natural standing position of the human body, with weight leaning on one leg and a shift in the body to counter this. Michelangelo’s David is a perfect example of this. Putting the weight on one leg forces David’s hips, spine and shoulders … Read more
Read MoreWhat Is Chiaroscuro? Chiaroscuro refers to the use of light and dark to create the illusion of three-dimensional volume on a flat surface. The term translates to “light-dark”; chiaro meaning bright or clear and scuro meaning dark or obscure. The term is also used in a more narrow sense to describe artworks which display an … Read more
Read More