My name is Elliott, and I am in my second year of visual arts at the Cégep de Sherbrooke. When I first started in this program, I didn't know many words related to visual arts, so I made this glossary to help people learn visual arts vocabulary before they start their year in this program. This glossary includes twenty words that could be useful for anyone who wishes to get a head start or doesn't want to be confused during their first class.
abstract
noun
Relating to or involving general ideas or qualities rather than an actual object, person, etc.
Example: I have to make an abstract painting for my class.
fr: abstrait
analogue colours
noun
Analogous colors are like best friends who sit really close to each other on the color wheel.
Example: I'm using analogue colours to create an autumn themed painting.
fr: couleurs analogues
ancient art
noun
Ancient art is the visual culture of early societies and civilizations.
Example: The Mona Lisa is an example of ancient art.
fr: art ancient
cartoon
noun
A cartoon is a type of illustration, sometimes animated, typically in a non-realistic or semi-realistic style.
Example: That boys were more distracted than girls by the cartoon.
fr: dessin animé
color theory
noun
Color theory is the study of how colors work together and how they affect our emotions and perceptions.
Example: It's very important to learn colour theory to know how to make a piece stand out.
fr: théorie des couleurs
complimentary colours
noun
A complementary color is one of a pair of colors that are opposite each other on the traditional color wheel.
Example: Blue and orange are complimentary colours often seen during sunsets.
fr: couleurs complémentaires
composition
noun
The organization of an artwork
Example: I need to use a different composition for my next project because I always use the same one.
fr: composition
contemporary art
noun
Contemporary art is generally art created from the 1970s onwards.
Example: Overall aesthetic of the site and still provides contemporary art.
fr: art contemporain
contrast
noun
An obvious difference between two or more things.
Example: I'm adding shadows to add more contrast to my art piece.
fr: contraste
creativity
noun
The ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas.
Example: Almost completely from his poetic imagination and creativity.
fr: créativité
detail
noun
A detail is an isolated element within a work of art, particularly from a painting, sculpture or building.
Example: I always have trouble finishing my projects on time because I put a lot of detail in them.
fr: détaille
fantasy
noun
Imaginative fiction that relies on strangeness of setting.
Example: Or anything more than meaningless and pleasurable fantasy.
fr: fantaisie
hue
noun
In painting, a hue is a pure pigment—one without tint or shade.
Example: A painting with many hues.
fr: teinte
inspiration
noun
Someone or something that gives you ideas for doing something.
Example: Honeywill and David Webdale for their advice and inspiration.
fr: inspiration
medium
noun
The specific materials or tools an artist uses to create a work.
Example: I don't know what medium I should use for my next art project.
fr: médium
modern art
noun
Modern art is a term that refers to the artistic movements that emerged between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.
Example: And Contradiction in Architecture, The Museum of modern art.
fr: art modern
realistic
noun
Appearing or representing things accurately, just like they exist in the real world. This is often used for art, movies, paintings, or special effects.
Example: That the organic market will continue to grow is realistic.
fr: réaliste
saturation
noun
The degree to which something is dissolved in something else.
Example: I tried a green paint yesterday, but it didn't have a lot of saturation.
fr: saturation
sketching
noun
Making a quick drawing, a study, which helps you to represent a design idea.
Example: I love sketching before starting the actual project because it prevents me from making a mistake.
fr: esquisse
volume
noun
Volume in art is the illusion that a drawn or painted object occupies three-dimensional space on a flat, two-dimensional surface.
Example: I struggle with volume in my drawing because I don't know how to draw light.
