Essential Vocabulary for Visual Artists
By Hareebat
Visual art is all about communication. And like any form of communication, it has its own language. This language can be difficult to master, especially for those who are new to the world of art. As a visual artist, it's important to be aware of the latest industry trends and technologies in order to stay competitive. By learning the right terminology, you can communicate more effectively with other artists, art professionals, and clients. You'll also be better equipped to understand and critique the work of others.
Photography b7 Irina Brinza | Dreamstime
Here is an overview with our recommended key technical and vocabulary terms used in visual arts:
Composition: This term refers to the arrangement of elements within a work of art. It includes the placement of objects, colors, lines, and shapes. The goal of composition is to create a pleasing and balanced image.
Color Theory: This is a branch of art that studies the properties of color and how it can be used to create certain effects.
Hue: Hue is another word for color. It's often used when referring to the different shades of a color (e.g. light green, dark blue, etc.).
Saturation: This term refers to the intensity of a color. A color can be high in saturation (very bright) or low in saturation (less intense).
Lighting: Lighting is a critical element in any work of art. It can be used to create different moods and atmospheres.
Depth of Field: This term refers to the amount of space that appears in focus within an image. A shallow depth of field means that only a small portion of the image is in focus, while a deep depth of field means that most of the image is in focus.
Photography by Komprach Nitiborisutsakul | Dreamstime
Rule of Thirds: This is a guideline that artists often use when composing an image. It suggests that the most interesting and pleasing compositions often occur when the main subject is placed off-center.
Constructive Criticism: This is when someone offers criticism that is meant to be helpful and constructive. It's different from negative feedback, which is designed to tear down an artist's work and actually helps him or her improve.
Perspective: Perspective refers to the way in which an object is seen in relation to other objects. It can be used to create the illusion of depth in an image.
Collaboration: Collaboration is when two or more people work together to create a work of art. This is a common practice in the world of art, as it allows artists to pool their resources and skills to create something that they couldn't have created on their own.
Photography by Golubovystock | Dreamstime
