Critiquing Tools

Art Vocabulary

Assemblage

art made by combining a collection of three‑dimensional objects into a whole. It can either be a free‑standing sculpture or be mounted on a panel, and it is usually made from scraps, junk, or various manufactured or natural objects.

Aesthetic 

pertaining to the artistic and beautiful; a perception that something pleases the eye. 

Motif

element or combination of elements repeated often enough in a composition to become a dominant feature.

Atmospheric perspective 
way of showing depth and distance in a painting by using fading colors and hazy details to indicate objects in the distance.
Fresco 
painting done with water‑based paint on fresh plaster so that as it dries the colors are absorbed into the wall.

Adjectives
 

Abstract   

Artwork in which the subject matter is stated in a brief, simplified manner; little or no attempt is made to represent images realistically, and objects are often simplified or distorted.
eclectic

Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles: an eclectic taste in music; an eclectic approach to managing the economy.

Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources: “a popular bar patronized by an eclectic collection of artists, writers, secretaries and aging soldiers on reserve duty” (Curtis Wilkie).

Gothic 
architectural style developed in western Europe from the 1100s to the 1400s, characterized by pointed arches, tall buildings with thin walls and large stained glass windows, and airy interior space.

intensity 

relative brightness or dullness of a color.

Bibliography
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/eclectic

www.globaled.org/chinaproject/.../chineseart/Lesson1Glossary2.doc

Principles and Elements of Design Principles:

LINE Line can be considered in two ways. The linear marks made with a pen or brush or the edge created when two shapes meet. SHAPE A shape is a self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. A positive shape in a painting automatically creates a negative shape. DIRECTION All lines have direction - Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique. Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquillity. Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness. Oblique suggests movement and action SIZE Size is simply the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another. TEXTURE Texture is the surface quality of a shape - rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual. Elements: BALANCE Balance in design is similar to balance in physics A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge. A large light toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned shape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be) GRADATION Gradation of size and direction produce linear perspective. Gradation of of colour from warm to cool and tone from dark to light produce aerial perspective. Gradation can add interest and movement to a shape. A gradation from dark to light will cause the eye to move along a shape. REPETITION Repetition with variation is interesting, without variation repetition can become monotonous. The five squares above are all the same. They can be taken in and understood with a single glance. When variation is introduced, the five squares, although similar, are much more interesting to look at. They can no longer be absorbed properly with a single glance. The individual character of each square needs to be considered. If you wish to create interest, any repeating element should include a degree of variation. CONTRAST Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements eg. opposite colours on the colour wheel - red / green, blue / orange etc. Contrast in tone or value - light / dark. Contrast in direction - horizontal / vertical. The major contrast in a painting should be located at the center of interest. Too much contrast scattered throughout a painting can destroy unity and make a work difficult to look at. Unless a feeling of chaos and confusion are what you are seeking, it is a good idea to carefully consider where to place your areas of maximum contrast. HARMONY Harmony in painting is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements. eg.adjacent colours on the colour wheel, similar shapes etc. Bibliography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_elements_and_principles