Word | Term Search

Museum News

17 May 2011

Accession: a process of increasing an art collection by addition; something added to what you already have ("the art collection grew through accession").

16 May 2011

Figure  Separate shape(s) distinguishable from a background or ground.

15 May 2011

Accent: to stress, single out as important. As applied to art it is the emphasis given to certain elements in a painting that allows them to attract more attention. Details that define an object or piece of art.

14 May 2011

FIXATIVE  A solution, usually of shellac and alcohol, sprayed onto drawings, to prevent their smudging or crumbling off the support.

13 May 2011

FORM  1. The physical appearance of a work of art - its materials, style, and composition. 2. Any identifiable shape or mass, as a “geometric form.”

10 May 2011

GEOMETRIC SHAPES  Shapes created by exact mathematical law.

09 May 2011

GOTHIC  A style of architecture and art dominant in Europe from the 12th to the 15th century. Gothic architecture features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and often large areas of stained glass.

08 May 2011

GLAZE  A very thin, transparent colored paint applied over a previously painted surface to alter the appearance and color of the surface. In ceramics, washes applied to the clay body which, when fired to temperature, vitrify to form a thin, usually colored, glass layer.

07 May 2011

GENRE  Art that depicts the casual moments of everyday life and its surroundings.

04 May 2011

FRESCO  A painting technique in which the pigments are dispersed in plain water and applied to a damp plaster wall. The wall becomes the binder, as well as the support.

03 May 2011

FORESHORTENING  A method of portraying forms on a two-dimensional surface so that they appear to project or recede from the picture plane.

02 May 2011

FIRING  Heating pottery or sculpture in a kiln or open fire to bring the clay to maturity. The temperature needed to mature the clay varies with the type of body used. Also, heating glazed ware to the necessary point to cause the glaze to mature.

01 May 2011

FINE ART  An art form created primarily as an aesthetic expression to be enjoyed for its own sake. The viewer must be prepared to search for the intent of the artist as the all-important first step toward communication and active participation.