Define chiaroscuro.
Modeling of form through gradations of light and shadow to create three-dimensional illusion.
Chiaroscuro is a technique used to create depth and volume in painting.
Define tenebrism.
A heightened form of chiaroscuro in which subjects emerge dramatically from deep shadow, as in Caravaggio’s work.
Tenebrism intensifies the contrast between light and dark.
What is impasto?
Thick, textured paint application leaving visible brush or knife marks.
Impasto adds a physical texture to the artwork.
Define sfumato.
Soft transitions between colors and tones without visible edges—used by Leonardo da Vinci.
Sfumato contributes to the atmospheric quality of paintings.
What is glazing in oil painting?
Applying thin transparent layers of color to modify hue and luminosity beneath.
Glazing can create a luminous effect in paintings.
Define grisaille.
Monochrome painting in shades of gray to simulate sculpture or underpaint values.
Grisaille can be used to create a sculptural effect in painting.
What is frottage?
Texture rubbing technique transferring surface relief to paper, popularized by Max Ernst.
Frottage helps artists capture textures from their environment.
Define assemblage.
Three-dimensional composition made from found objects or non-traditional materials.
Assemblage often incorporates mixed media elements.
What is a relief print?
Ink rests on raised surfaces of a block while recessed areas remain white.
Relief printing is one of the oldest forms of printmaking.
Define intaglio.
Lines are incised below the surface of a plate and filled with ink for printing.
Intaglio allows for fine details and rich textures in prints.
What does non-objective mean in art?
Artwork without recognizable subject matter, focusing solely on formal elements.
Non-objective art emphasizes color, shape, and line.
Define trompe l’oeil.
Illusionistic painting style intended to ‘deceive the eye’ into perceiving objects as real.
Trompe l’oeil creates a strong sense of realism.
What is atmospheric perspective?
Depth illusion created by diminishing color intensity and detail in distant forms.
Atmospheric perspective is commonly used in landscape painting.
Define picture plane.
Imaginary flat surface corresponding to the canvas on which an image is projected.
Understanding the picture plane is essential for composition.
What is hatching?
Parallel lines used to build up tone or texture.
Hatching is a fundamental technique in drawing.
Define cross-hatching.
Intersecting sets of parallel lines used to create deeper value and shading.
Cross-hatching adds complexity and richness to tonal work.
What is a triptych?
Three-panel artwork—often hinged—used in altarpieces or contemporary formats.
Triptychs can tell a story across the three panels.
Define bas-relief.
Sculpture projecting only slightly from its background surface.
Bas-relief is often used in architectural decoration.
What is a maquette?
Small-scale preliminary model for a sculpture or architectural design.
Maquettes are used to visualize and plan larger works.
Define armature.
Internal support structure used to hold modeling materials in place.
Armatures are essential for stability in sculpture.
What is encaustic painting?
Pigment mixed with hot wax and fused to a surface with heat.
Encaustic painting allows for rich color and texture.
Define underpainting.
Initial value or color layer establishing composition beneath finished paint.
Underpainting serves as a foundation for the final artwork.
What is sgraffito?
Ceramic decoration created by scratching through slip or glaze to reveal the clay body.
Sgraffito techniques can create intricate designs.
Define patina.
Surface coloration or sheen developed naturally or chemically on metals.
Patina can enhance the aesthetic value of metal artworks.
