Axis An implied straight line in the center of a form along its dominant direction. 

Avant-Garde French for "advance guard" or "vanguard." Those considered the leaders (and often regarded as radicals) in the invention and application of new concepts in a given field.

Automatism Automatic or unconscious action. Employed by Surrealist writers and artists to allow

unconscious ideas and feelings to be expressed.

Asymmetrical  Without symmetry.

Chiaroscuro  Italian for "light-dark." The gradations of light and dark values in two-dimensional imagery; especially the illusion of rounded, three-dimensional form created through gradations of light and shade rather than line. Highly developed by Renaissance painters.

Byzantine Art  Styles of painting, design, and architecture developed from the fifth century A.D. in the Byzantine Empire of eastern Europe. Characterized in architecture by round arches, large domes, and extensive use of mosaic; characterized in painting by formal design, frontal and stylized figures, and a rich use of color, especially gold, in generally religious subject matter.

Achromatic  Having no color or hue; without identifiable hue. Most blacks, whites, grays, and browns are achromatic.

Colonnade  A row of columns usually spanned or connected by beams (lintels). 

Casein  A white, tasteless, odorless milk protein used in making paint as well as plastics, adhesives, and foods.

Cluster Houses  Residential units laced close together in order to maximize the usable exterior space of the surrounding area, within the concept of single-family dwellings.