Vocabulary

Chapter 9:

1.     Three ways to describe a pattern in art or theory:

a.     As a repetitious design motif

b.     In terms of a template (such as a dress pattern)

c.      When referring to the thought process of human beings

2.     The grid can help to define a pattern by…

Creating a systematic order and balance of the composition.  It creates a harmony and unification within the piece by way of the individual units of the grid structure.

3.     Pattern vs. Texture:

It is challenging to draw the distinction between texture and pattern.  Each possesses qualities similar to that of the other, yet they do differ greatly, especially in the world of art and design.  Pattern is most usually seen as a repeated motif.  Texture is repetitious as well, however it is not as precise and allows for more variation.  The basic difference between the two is that very texture has the ability to be made into a pattern, while every pattern cannot be classified as a texture.

4.     Texture can be used to create visual interest…

By appealing to the human sense of touch.  Although something may not be physically tactile, the implication of texture provides our brains with said sensation of touch.  Different textures are frequently implied through an assortment light and dark values.

5.     Actual texture: texture that is tactile, meaning that it is real surface texture and can be felt.

Implied texture: texture that is not truly present. It cannot be felt on the surface and is imitated through the use of various design elements and principles.

6.     Collage: the act of gluing hard-edged, ripped, or textured papers, or other materials, to a surface with the intention of creating art or design

Nick Gentry.
The Reproduction Number 3: (2009).
Mixed paint, used computer disks and VHS tape on wood.

7.     Tromp L’oile (“fool the eye”): The ultimate point in portraying visual texture.  This style is considered deceptive to the eye.  Often in this type of work, the objects are in sharp focus and meticulously drawn.  It is most successful when the artist copies the precise visual value and color pattern of each separate surface.

Chapter 10:

1.     Value: in art, the term used to refer that that which is light or dark.

Value scale: a visual scale that describes the variations between white, black, and all of the values in between them

2.     Achromatic gray: mixtures of only black and white (no color)

3.     Value contrast: the visual relationship between areas of light and dark

4.     You create balance in a composition with value by…

Dispersing the range of values throughout a piece in a way that will allow the composition to remain harmonious.

5.     You create emphasis with value by…

Developing high contrast in one area and a muted or subdued contrast in the remainder of the work.  This ensures that the viewer’s eye will be directed to the intended focal point and that it will successfully move around the page.

6.     Chiaroscuro: a term used during the Renaissance, it describes the use of dark and light to imply volume and depth in a work of art

7.     Aerial / atmospheric perspective: occurs when visually distant objects become less distinct and defined as they are absorbed into the atmosphere due to said distance 

Edward Burtynsky.
Shipbreaking #10, Chittagong, Bangladesh. 2000. 
Photograph. Charles Cowles Gallery, New York.