Glossary
Balance
The distribution of visual weight in a work of art, which can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.
Example:
The artist achieved asymmetrical balance by placing a large, dark shape on one side of the canvas and several smaller, lighter shapes on the other.
Color
The hue, saturation, and value of an object, used to evoke emotion, create emphasis, or define forms.
Example:
The vibrant color palette of blues and greens in the landscape painting conveyed a serene, natural environment.
Connection
How elements within a work of art are linked or related to each other, creating visual pathways or conceptual ties.
Example:
The subtle lines extending from one character to another in the drawing created a visual connection, suggesting their emotional bond.
Contrast
The difference between elements in a work of art, such as light and dark, rough and smooth, or large and small, used to create visual interest and impact.
Example:
The stark contrast between the jagged, dark mountains and the soft, bright sky intensified the dramatic mood of the landscape.
Elements of Design
The basic visual components or ingredients used to create a work of art, such as line, shape, color, and texture.
Example:
Understanding the Elements of Design helped the artist intentionally use strong diagonal lines and contrasting colors to create tension in their piece.
Emphasis
The focal point or area of interest in a work of art, drawing the viewer's attention to a specific element.
Example:
The bright red apple in the still life created a clear emphasis against the muted background, immediately catching the eye.
Experimentation
The process of trying out different materials, techniques, or ideas to discover new possibilities and solutions in art-making.
Example:
The student's portfolio clearly documented their experimentation with various printmaking methods, from linocut to monotype.
Figure/Ground Relationship
The interplay between the subject (figure) and its background (ground) in a composition, where one can sometimes reverse roles.
Example:
In the famous Rubin's Vase illusion, the figure/ground relationship allows the viewer to see either two faces or a vase, depending on perception.
Form
A three-dimensional object that has height, width, and depth, occupying space.
Example:
The sculptor transformed a block of marble into a graceful human form, emphasizing its volume and contours.
Guiding Question
The core artistic question or concept that drives a student's Sustained Investigation, providing focus and direction for their exploration.
Example:
Her Guiding Question for the SI was 'How can light and shadow reveal hidden emotions?', which she explored through a series of dramatic portraits.
Hierarchy
The arrangement of elements to show importance or order, guiding the viewer's eye through a visual ranking of information.
Example:
In the poster design, the large, bold title at the top established a clear hierarchy, immediately drawing attention to the main message.
Ideas
The concepts, themes, or messages that an artist explores and conveys through their artwork.
Example:
His series of photographs explored the ideas of memory and nostalgia, using faded colors and blurred imagery.
Juxtaposition
The placement of contrasting elements side by side to create a surprising, thought-provoking, or visually impactful effect.
Example:
The artist used juxtaposition by placing a delicate porcelain doll next to a rusty industrial gear, highlighting themes of innocence and decay.
Layer
A level of depth or distinct stratum within an image or object, often built up to create complexity or texture.
Example:
The mixed-media piece featured multiple layers of paint, fabric, and found objects, creating a rich, tactile surface.
Line
A path connecting two points, which can vary in thickness, direction, and texture to convey different feelings or forms.
Example:
The flowing, curved line in the sculpture suggested graceful movement, guiding the viewer's gaze around the form.
Materials
The physical substances or media used to create a work of art, such as paint, clay, paper, or digital software.
Example:
The artist chose unconventional materials like recycled plastic bottles and discarded electronics to construct their sculpture.
Movement
How the viewer's eye is guided through a work of art, often created by the arrangement of elements or implied action.
Example:
The swirling brushstrokes and diagonal lines in the painting created a strong sense of movement, making the scene feel dynamic.
Opacity
The degree to which light passes through an object or material, indicating how much it obscures what is behind it.
Example:
The thick acrylic paint had high opacity, completely covering the previous layers and creating a solid, flat surface.
Plane
A flat surface that can exist in two or three dimensions, often used to define boundaries or create a sense of depth.
Example:
In the architectural drawing, the artist emphasized the intersecting planes of the building's facade to show its complex structure.
Point
A single location in space, often serving as a starting or ending visual mark.
Example:
The artist used a tiny, bright red point in the vast blue canvas to immediately draw the viewer's eye.
Portfolio
A collection of an artist's best work submitted for evaluation in AP Art & Design, showcasing their artistic journey and skills.
Example:
For the AP exam, Sarah compiled her entire year's worth of artwork, including sketches and finished pieces, into her digital portfolio.
Practice
The demonstration of ongoing artistic development and skill refinement through repeated effort and application.
Example:
Her Sustained Investigation showed extensive practice through numerous preliminary sketches and studies of human anatomy.
Principles of Design
The rules or guidelines that dictate how artists organize and arrange the elements of design to create visual impact and meaning.
Example:
By applying the Principles of Design, the graphic designer ensured that the poster had a clear focal point and a balanced layout.
Processes
The methods, techniques, or steps involved in creating a work of art, such as carving, weaving, or digital rendering.
Example:
The detailed description of her processes explained how she layered glazes in her ceramic work to achieve a luminous finish.
Proportion
The relationship of sizes between different parts of a whole within a work of art, often related to realistic or idealized scales.
Example:
The artist intentionally distorted the proportion of the figure's hands, making them oversized to emphasize their expressive gesture.
Repetition
The recurrence of elements or motifs within a work of art, used to create rhythm, pattern, or unity.
Example:
The repetition of circular forms throughout the abstract painting created a sense of visual harmony and continuity.
Revision
The act of making changes or improvements to an artwork based on reflection, feedback, or new insights gained during the creative process.
Example:
The final painting was a result of significant revision, as the artist repainted the background multiple times to achieve the desired mood.
Rhythm
The repetition of elements to create a sense of movement, flow, or pattern, guiding the viewer's eye through the work.
Example:
The repeating arches in the architectural drawing created a visual rhythm that led the eye along the length of the building.
Scale
The size of an object or artwork in relation to its surroundings, other objects, or the human viewer.
Example:
The monumental sculpture, despite its small individual components, achieved an impressive scale that dominated the public plaza.
Selected Works
A section of the AP Art & Design portfolio consisting of five of the student's strongest individual pieces, showcasing their technical skills and artistic vision.
Example:
Among her Selected Works, Maya included a detailed charcoal portrait and a vibrant abstract painting, highlighting her versatility.
Shape
A two-dimensional enclosed area defined by lines or color, which can be geometric or organic.
Example:
The artist cut out various irregular shapes from colored paper to create a dynamic, abstract collage.
Space
The area around, within, or between elements in a work of art, which can be positive (occupied) or negative (empty).
Example:
The minimalist painting used large areas of empty space to create a sense of calm and focus on the single central figure.
Sustained Investigation (SI)
A section of the AP Art & Design portfolio that demonstrates a deep, year-long exploration of a specific artistic question or theme through 15 images and written statements.
Example:
Liam's Sustained Investigation explored the concept of urban decay, showing how his initial photographs evolved into mixed-media collages.
Synthesis
The effective combination and integration of materials, processes, and ideas to create a cohesive and meaningful artwork.
Example:
The strongest portfolios demonstrate a clear synthesis where the chosen medium and technique perfectly align with the artistic concept.
Technical Skills
The proficiency and mastery in handling materials and executing artistic processes within a chosen medium.
Example:
The detailed rendering of textures and accurate anatomy in his drawings showcased his exceptional technical skills in graphite.
Texture
The perceived surface quality of an object, which can be actual (tactile) or implied (visual).
Example:
The painter used thick impasto strokes to create a rough, visible texture on the canvas, making the tree bark appear realistic.
Time
The duration or sequence of events in a work of art, often implied through narrative, movement, or the viewer's experience.
Example:
The stop-motion animation used the element of time to show a flower blooming over several seconds, compressing a natural process.
Transparency
The degree to which an object or material allows light to pass through, revealing what is behind it.
Example:
The watercolor wash had a beautiful transparency, allowing the underlying pencil sketch to show through subtly.
Unity
How well all elements in a work of art work together to create a sense of wholeness, harmony, and completeness.
Example:
Despite using diverse materials, the artist achieved unity in the sculpture by repeating a specific geometric motif throughout the piece.
Value
The lightness or darkness of a color or tone, ranging from pure white to pure black.
Example:
The artist used a wide range of value in the charcoal drawing, from deep shadows to bright highlights, to create a sense of three-dimensionality.
Variety
The use of different elements or qualities within a work of art to add interest, prevent monotony, and create visual excitement.
Example:
The collage incorporated a wide variety of textures, from smooth magazine cutouts to rough sandpaper, to keep the viewer engaged.