Key Terms

Vocabulary Review

The terms or "key words" related to each are presented here as reminders. However, the terms are not in alphabetical order as in the textbook but are presented in groupings or paired opposites. It is hoped that this will help to see the greater relationship between terms and their application. For the complete meaning of the term please review the definition given in the AF text.

The Vocabulary of Form

Form: 1. "The arbitrary organization or inventive arrangement of all the visual elements according to the principles that will develop unity in the artwork. 2. The total appearance or organization."

Principles of Organization-An appropriate ration between 1) harmony and 2) variety-producing 3) balance, 4) proportion, 5) dominance, 6) movement, and 7) economy.

harmony
Concept
Design
Pattern
motif
repetition
allover pattern
rhythm
closure

Factors in visual linking: creating harmony by
Shared edges
Overlapping
Transparency
Interpenetration
Extensions (implied or subjective)

Variety
contrast
elaboration

Unity

balance
symmetry
approximate symmetry
radial
asymmetry

proportion

scale
golden mean/golden section

dominance
Movement
Economy

position
pattern
Gestalt, Gestalt psychology
academic

2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.