Glossary
Asymmetrical Balance
A type of balance where unequal elements on either side of a central axis still create a visually stable and harmonious composition.
Example:
A large, heavy form on one side of a composition balanced by several smaller, lighter forms on the other demonstrates asymmetrical balance.
Connection
Placing similar objects or elements together to highlight their likeness, shared qualities, or unity.
Example:
A sculptor might arrange several smooth, rounded stones together to highlight their shared organic connection.
Contrast
The difference between light and dark values, or other opposing elements, used to create visual interest and emphasis.
Example:
A ceramic artist might apply a glossy black glaze next to a matte white texture to create strong visual contrast.
Emphasis
The focal point of a design, where the artist intentionally draws the viewer's eye to a specific area or element.
Example:
A single bright red apple in a bowl of green apples creates a strong emphasis, immediately drawing the viewer's attention.
Figure/Ground Relationship
How the foreground (figure) and background (ground) interact, defining positive and negative space within a composition.
Example:
In a silhouette, the dark figure stands out sharply against the light ground, creating a clear distinction.
Hierarchy
Arranging visual information to show importance, guiding the viewer's eye through a prioritized order of elements.
Example:
In a complex architectural model, the largest and most detailed building might be placed centrally to establish its hierarchy within the design.
Juxtaposition
Placing different objects or elements together to highlight their differences, creating contrast or unexpected relationships.
Example:
The juxtaposition of a delicate porcelain teacup next to a rough, rusted metal gear creates a striking contrast in textures and materials.
Movement
The path the viewer's eye takes through a work of art, or the illusion of motion within the piece itself.
Example:
The swirling lines and dynamic angles in a kinetic sculpture create a powerful sense of movement, guiding the viewer's gaze around the piece.
Opacity/Transparency
How much light can pass through an object, indicating its degree of see-through quality versus solidness.
Example:
A sculptor might use frosted glass to create a sense of partial opacity, allowing some light to filter through while obscuring clear vision.
Proportion
The relative size of parts within a single object or composition, indicating harmonious or intentional relationships.
Example:
When sculpting a human figure, ensuring the head is in correct proportion to the body is crucial for realism.
Radial Balance
A type of balance where elements radiate outward from a central point, creating a circular or spiral arrangement.
Example:
The petals of a sunflower or the spokes of a wheel are classic examples of radial balance.
Repetition
The act of using the same object or element multiple times in a consistent manner within a design.
Example:
A textile artist might use the repetition of a specific geometric motif throughout a fabric design to create unity.
Rhythm
The visual beat created by repeating elements, guiding the eye through a work with a sense of organized movement.
Example:
A series of evenly spaced, identical pillars in an architectural model creates a strong sense of rhythm.
Scale
The size of objects in relation to each other or to a known constant, such as the human body.
Example:
A miniature sculpture of a skyscraper placed next to a life-sized human figure dramatically alters the viewer's perception of scale.
Symmetrical Balance
A type of balance where elements on both sides of a central axis are identical or nearly identical, creating a mirror-like effect.
Example:
A perfectly centered vase with identical floral arrangements on either side exhibits symmetrical balance.
Time
How elements within an artwork change or imply change over a duration, suggesting age, movement, or narrative progression.
Example:
An installation artist might use melting ice sculptures to incorporate the element of time, showing the gradual transformation and decay of the forms.
Value
The lightness or darkness of a color or tone within an artwork.
Example:
In a charcoal drawing, the artist uses varying degrees of pressure to achieve different values, from deep blacks to soft grays.