Glossary
Breadth
Demonstrating a wide range of artistic skills, approaches, and understanding across different media or concepts within a portfolio.
Example:
A portfolio showing works in drawing, painting, and sculpture, each with a distinct style, would demonstrate strong breadth.
Composition
The arrangement and organization of the elements and principles of design within an artwork to create a cohesive visual structure.
Example:
A painter carefully plans the composition of their still life, placing the fruit and vase to create a pleasing and dynamic arrangement.
Copying
Replicating someone else's artwork exactly without adding personal interpretation or unique elements, lacking the artist's own authentic contribution.
Example:
Simply tracing a famous cartoon character and coloring it in the same way would be considered copying, not original art.
Depth
Showing mastery and sophisticated understanding of chosen techniques, concepts, or a particular artistic approach within a body of work.
Example:
A series of highly detailed and technically proficient charcoal drawings, exploring a single subject, would demonstrate significant depth.
Elements of Art
The basic visual components that artists use to create a work of art, including line, shape, form, value, color, texture, and space.
Example:
A photographer might use a strong diagonal line to lead the viewer's eye through a landscape, creating a sense of movement.
Exploration
The process of experimenting with different materials, techniques, and artistic approaches to develop and refine ideas within a sustained investigation.
Example:
An artist's exploration might involve trying out various types of paint, different brushstrokes, and even digital manipulation to achieve a desired effect.
Function and Form
The relationship in 3D design where the intended purpose or use of an object (function) influences its visual characteristics and structure (form).
Example:
The function of a chair (to be sat upon) dictates its form, requiring a stable base and a comfortable seat.
Gesture Drawing
Quick, expressive drawings that capture the essential movement, pose, and overall form of a subject, often done in short timeframes.
Example:
During a figure drawing session, artists often begin with gesture drawings to warm up and capture the dynamic energy of the model.
Inspiration
Taking an idea or concept from another artist's work and adapting it in a new, personal way, building upon it rather than replicating.
Example:
An artist might find inspiration in the intricate patterns of Islamic art and then incorporate similar geometric motifs into their contemporary textile designs.
Line Quality
The characteristics of a line, such as its thickness, lightness, darkness, texture, or continuity, which convey different effects or emotions.
Example:
A cartoonist might use a thick, bold line quality for a character's outline to make them stand out, while using thin, delicate lines for background details.
Materials and Processes
The physical substances and methods employed in creating three-dimensional artworks, such as sculpture, ceramics, or installation art.
Example:
A ceramicist might use stoneware as their material and the wheel-throwing process to create a series of bowls.
Media and Techniques
The materials and methods used to create an artwork, encompassing various art forms like painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, or digital art.
Example:
A sculptor might choose clay as their media and use the coiling technique to build a large vessel.
Observational Drawing
The practice of drawing subjects directly from life, emphasizing accuracy, proportion, and detail based on what is seen.
Example:
An artist creating a portrait by looking at a live model is engaged in observational drawing.
Perspective
A technique used to create the illusion of depth, distance, and three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface.
Example:
Using one-point perspective, an artist can make a long hallway appear to recede into the distance on a flat canvas.
Presentation
The manner in which artwork is displayed and documented, including image quality, framing, and overall professional appearance.
Example:
Ensuring high-resolution photographs of your artwork and clear, concise titles contributes to effective presentation for your portfolio.
Principles of Design
The rules or guidelines artists use to organize the elements of art within a composition, such as balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, proportion, rhythm, variety, and unity.
Example:
An architect might use balance to ensure a building feels stable and visually harmonious, distributing visual weight evenly.
Process
The documented journey of an artist's creative development, including initial ideas, experiments, revisions, and reflections on successes and failures.
Example:
Keeping a sketchbook filled with preliminary sketches, material tests, and written notes is an essential part of documenting the artistic process.
Reflection
The critical analysis of one's own artwork and creative journey, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for future improvement.
Example:
After completing a piece, an artist might engage in reflection by writing about what worked well and what they would change next time.
Student Voice
The unique way an artist expresses their ideas, style, and aesthetic, making their work authentically their own and instantly recognizable.
Example:
When you see a painting with vibrant, swirling brushstrokes and dreamlike figures, you might recognize it as having a strong Student Voice reminiscent of Van Gogh's expressive style.
Sustained Investigation
A significant component of the AP Art & Design exam where students explore a specific artistic theme or idea in depth through a series of related artworks.
Example:
A student's Sustained Investigation might explore the theme of 'urban decay' through a series of mixed-media collages and photographs.
Theme/Concept
The central idea, question, or subject that unifies a body of artwork, providing direction and meaning to the creative process.
Example:
The overarching theme of an artist's series might be 'the passage of time,' expressed through decaying objects or changing landscapes.