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 Introductory Terms

Art:"The formal expression of a conceived image or imagined conception in terms of a given medium (Sheldon Cheney). "

subject
form
elements of art
content

naturalism
realism

picture frame
picture plane

positive shape(s)
negative areas(s)

objective

descriptive
representation(al)

subjective
abstract
nonobjective

medium/media-
craftsmanship
technique

aesthetic
style
design
expression

optical perception
conceptual perception

decorative
plastic

space
two-dimensional
plane
graphic art

three-dimensional

mass

Volume

unity

organic unity