Visual Arts Vocabulary

The repetition of art elements.

• Texture

• Pattern

• Form

A design principle referring to the relationship of the size of objects in a body of work.

• Shape

• Symmetrical

• Proportion

The surface quality of an artwork usually perceived through the sense of touch.

• Texture

• Monochromatic

• Contour line

An element of art concerned with the degree of lightness or darkenss.

• Space

• Radial

• Value

A line that goes straight up and down.

• Emphasis

• Vertical line

• Variety

An element of art that is three-dimensional and encloses volume. Cubes, spheres, and cylinders are examples of this.

• Hue

• Unity

• Form

Tow colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel.

• Tone

• Shade

• Complementary

A balance arrangement in which the parts of a composition are organized so that one side duplicates or mirrors the other.

• Intensity

• Asymmetrical

• Symmetrical

Refers to the distance or area between, around, above or within things. It can be positive or negative.

• Space

• Line

• Hue

Lines that define the outer edges of forms and surfaces withing a form, such as shapes or folds.

• Emphasis

• Balance

• Contour line