Dictionary of art terms, materials, techniques and tools
Abstract art involves images or forms that do not represent reality directly but rather ideas, emotions, or shapes without literal references. It allows diverse interpretations.
Alcohol ink is a pigment dissolved in alcohol, used to create vibrant and unpredictable patterns on smooth surfaces. It dries quickly and is popular in mixed media and crafts.
Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that dries quickly and is known for its vibrant colors and versatility. It works well on various surfaces like canvas, wood, and paper. Acrylic paint is easy to us
A technique where wax is applied to resist dye on certain areas of fabric to create patterns.
A method of removing or softening paint by dabbing it with paper or cloth.
Technique where excess paint is absorbed with paper or cloth to create texture or lighten areas.
The process of softly mixing colors together on the painting.
Brushes are tools with bristles or fibers used to apply paint to a surface. There are many types of brushes, such as flat, round, and fine, each suitable for different painting techniques and effects.
Ceramics is an art and craft involving shaping clay and firing it to create solid and durable forms. This includes pottery, sculpture, and artworks. Ceramics can be both aesthetic and functional.
A mixture of clay and other materials used to shape ceramic objects.
Candle making is a craft where wax is melted and shaped into candles, often scented or colored. It is a fun and creative activity offering many variations.
Charcoal is a drawing material made from burnt wood or other organic substances. It produces deep, black lines and is widely used in sketches and expressing light and shadow. Charcoal is easy to smudg
A fine-grained natural earth material that is malleable when wet and hardens when fired.
Objects made from shaped and fired clay used for storage or decoration.
Clay work is an art form where clay is shaped into sculptures or functional objects like ceramics. It involves both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. This process requires patience and prec
Color theory studies how color combinations work together and how colors affect perception and emotions. It helps artists select and mix colors to achieve specific effects in their artworks.
The color wheel is a circle showing primary colors and their relationships to each other. It is useful for understanding how colors work together and which colors complement each other.
Color composition is how colors are arranged and combined in an artwork to create balance and interest. It is based on understanding color theory and the effects of colors together.
Color mixing is the process of combining two or more colors to create a new color. Proper color mixing is key to good color theory in art.
A thin layer of color applied over a large area to provide a glow or background tone.
The process of mixing colors to create new tones or effects on textiles or artworks.
Chiaroscuro is a technique based on strong contrasts between light and shadow to create three-dimensional effects and depth. It emphasizes certain areas in the artwork and adds a dramatic touch. It is
A drawing pencil with colored pigment used to color or shade drawings.
A sharp tool with a precise blade used for cutting paper, cardboard, or other materials.
A book or sheets of canvas used for painting and drawing, often with a coarse surface to hold paint well.
Canvas is a strong fabric, usually made from cotton or linen, used as a surface for painting. It is stretched over a wooden frame and can have different textures depending on its preparation. Canvas i
A technique where drops of paint are dropped onto a wet surface to create irregular patterns.
Découpage is a craft where images or decorative paper are glued onto objects and sealed with varnish to create beautiful, personalized works. It is popular for gifts and decoration.
Depth in art is the feeling of three-dimensionality and distance in flat artworks. It is often achieved through perspective, shadows, and color choices.
An organized collection of rules, components, and guidelines supporting consistency and efficiency in digital art and design projects.
A sequence of steps to color fabric using dye, including temperature, time, and fixing agents.
A substance used to change or add color to textiles or materials.
Software tool that simulates traditional brushes, enabling artists to paint digitally with various textures and effects.
Artworks created or modified using digital tools such as computers, tablets, and software.
Surface quality in digital images that imitates real textures through use of images or pattern overlays.
Drawing is a fundamental art form where the artist uses lines and shapes to create an image. It is often the first step in image creation and helps organize composition and ideas.
Precise work on fine details in watercolour painting to enhance depth and vibrancy.
The process of removing water from clay before firing to prevent cracking.
Paint applied on a dry surface, creating sharper and more defined textures.
Etching is a printmaking technique where a metal plate is coated with wax or resistant material, and a design is scratched into the surface. The plate is then immersed in acid which bites into the exp
A printmaking method where a metal plate coated with acid-resistant material is etched with acid to create lines.
Expressionism emphasizes expressing emotions and personal experience rather than accurately depicting reality. Colors and forms are often dramatic and interpretative.
A printmaking technique where an image is incised into a metal plate using sharp tools to create lines and texture.
A stable frame or stand that holds a canvas or paper in place while painting.
An easel is a frame or stand that holds canvases or artworks while they are being worked on. It allows the artist to work at a comfortable height and angle. Easels vary in size and include tabletop an
Decorating fabric with stitched designs or images using threads.
Floral embellishments involve using flowers or floral patterns to decorate textiles, paper, or other crafts. They add beauty and life to works and are common in knitting, sewing, and scrapbooking.
Firing is the process where clay or ceramics is heated at high temperatures to harden and become durable. The firing process affects the color, texture, and strength of the piece. Proper firing is cru
The temperature at which a ceramic artist fires clay to harden and vitrify it, making it durable and water-resistant.
A process where woolen fabric is compacted and washed to make it denser and stronger.
Form study focuses on the shape and structure of forms in artworks. It examines how different forms affect the overall impact of the image and how they relate to each other.
Fixative is a substance sprayed over drawings or pastel paintings to fix and protect them from smudging and dust. It prevents powdery materials from dispersing or changing. Fixative is common in drawi
A coating applied to ceramics to add color, texture, and water resistance after the initial firing.
Applying a thin transparent layer of color over a dry layer to alter hue or depth.
A device used to draw directly into a computer using a stylus, capturing precise hand movements of the artist.
Effect where pigment particles gather on the paper surface creating texture variations.
Glazing is a painting technique where thin, transparent layers of paint are applied over a dry layer to enhance color depth and luminosity. It gives paintings richer and deeper tones and is common in
Gesso is a white primer made from chalk and glue applied to canvas or wood to prepare the surface for painting. It smooths the surface and ensures better paint adhesion. Gesso is a foundation in tradi
Glossy finish is a surface texture that reflects a lot of light, giving a bright and shiny appearance. In art and craft, a glossy finish enhances color depth and makes colors appear vibrant. Glossy la
Glossy texture refers to the surface effect of a painting that reflects light, giving the artwork a shiny appearance. It is often achieved by adding special mediums or varnishes. Glossy texture can en
A common drawing pencil made of graphite used for drawing and writing with varying hardness grades.
Ground is a preparatory layer applied to canvas or other surfaces before painting begins. It improves texture, protects the underlying material, and ensures better adhesion of paint. The most common g
Gouache is a water-based paint that is denser and more opaque than watercolor. It provides a matte, solid color ideal for graphic illustrations and design. Gouache dries quickly and is easy to paint o
A tool that melts glue sticks allowing quick and secure adhesion of materials.
A technique where thin layers of color are applied over each other to build depth and tonal variation.
A printmaking technique where the image is incised into the surface of a plate, and ink sits in these recesses for printing.
Impasto is a painting technique where thick layers of paint are applied to the canvas, often with a brush or palette knife. It adds texture and depth to the artwork, creating shadows and highlights th
Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the 19th century focusing on capturing light and color in the moment. Artists use loose brushwork and aim to convey perception rather than detailed acc
Icelandic art history covers the development of visual arts and crafts in Iceland from settlement to the present. It connects Nordic traditions with influences from foreign art movements.
Icelandic artists have contributed to global art history by linking traditional Icelandic culture and nature with new art movements. Many have worked across diverse media.
Impasto is a painting technique where paint is applied thickly and textured on the surface. This creates a prominent raised surface that gives the artwork life and depth. The technique is common in oi
A tie or knot made to secure threads or cords in textiles or crafts.
Knitting is a craft where yarns are interlaced using knitting needles to create blankets, clothing, or decorative items. Knitting is a traditional craft with deep roots in Icelandic culture.
The craft of interlocking yarn loops with needles to create fabric or clothing.
A firing method where clay is fired in a closed hot kiln to achieve specific strength and texture.
An inner layer of fabric sewn beneath the main material to improve appearance or strength.
A technique in digital image editing software where an image is composed of multiple transparent layers that can be edited independently.
Line drawing is a drawing based solely on lines without shading or coloring. It emphasizes form, outlines, and movement in the image.
Technique of removing paint from the artwork with a damp brush or paper to create lighter areas.
A printmaking technique based on the repulsion between water and oil to transfer an image onto paper from a stone or metal plate.
Lacquer is a thin layer of solid or semi-transparent material used to protect and decorate surfaces. In art, lacquer can provide a glossy or matte finish and increase the durability of the work. It is
A method to remove or lighten paint by using a damp brush or cloth.
Use of diverse materials in a single artwork, such as painting, photographs, and digital prints combined.
Mixed media is an art and craft technique where more than one material or technique is used in the same piece to achieve special effects and depth. It opens up endless creative possibilities.
A substance used to fix dye on fabric, ensuring colorfastness against washing or light exposure.
A technique where the same print image is printed multiple times to achieve stronger color or deeper texture.
Mark making refers to the various ways of applying personal and expressive lines, dots, or textures on a surface in art. They can be made with diverse tools and materials and form the basis for an art
Minimalism emphasizes simplicity and reducing all unnecessary elements in art. Few colors and simple forms are used to achieve clean and clear effects.
Markers are drawing and coloring tools with ink flowing from a tube or pen casing. They are used to create sharp colors and lines in drawings and design. Markers can be water-based or permanent, offer
Mixing technique involves combining colors or materials to achieve new colors or textures. This can be done with a brush, palette knife, or other tools. Proper mixing gives artists control over color
Matte finish is a surface texture that is dull and reflects little light, without gloss. In painting and varnishing, a matte finish gives artworks a soft and natural appearance. Matte finishes are pop
A medium is a substance added to paint to alter its properties such as thickness, drying time, or gloss. For example, oil mediums can thin oil paints, and acrylic gels can modify acrylic paint texture
Technique to protect certain paper areas with special materials to prevent painting over them.
A digital layer placed over another image or layer to add color, texture, or imagery without altering the underlying layers.
Oil paints are paints made from pigments mixed with oils, usually linseed oil. They dry slowly and provide deep, rich colors with excellent blending capabilities. Oil paints have been popular in art f
Primary colors are basic colors that can be mixed to create other colors. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors and form softer color tones.
A pencil is a drawing tool consisting of a graphite core encased in a wooden sheath. It is used for sketching, drawing, and writing. Pencils come in various hardness grades affecting the darkness or l
Finely ground coloring agents that provide color without dissolving in water or solvents.
Painting is an art form where color compositions are applied to a surface using brushes, markers, or other tools. It encompasses various techniques and styles and is used to express emotions, ideas, a
Paper is the foundation of many crafts and arts, used for writing, printing, cutting, and gluing. In mixed media, scrapbooking, and découpage, paper is one of the most common materials.
Pastels are colorful drawing sticks made from pigment, binder, and powder. They are soft and easy to blend to create smooth color surfaces and textures. Pastels are popular in portrait drawing and lan
An art form where images are created with deliberate placement of individual pixels, often using limited colors to create a retro style.
The smallest unit of a digital image that holds color information, collectively forming the entire picture.
Pop Art is an art movement based on contemporary culture, advertisements, and consumer goods. It often uses bright colors and media images to make art accessible and humorous.
A pigment specially formulated for printmaking, often thick and viscous to adhere to the substrate.
Printmaking is an art form where images are produced by printing from surfaces such as wood, metal, or rubber. It allows for creating multiple copies of artworks.
A flat or raised surface used to transfer ink or color onto paper or another substrate during printing.
A machine used to apply pressure between a printing plate and a substrate to transfer an image or text.
Perspective is a technique that allows an artist to depict depth and volume on a two-dimensional surface. It enables the creation of realism and visual depth in images.
Perspective lines are lines that guide the viewer's eye to the vanishing point to depict depth. They are the foundation of perspective technique in art.
Primer is a substance applied to a surface to prepare it for painting. It improves texture, ensures better paint adhesion, and prevents paint from soaking too much into the surface. Common primers are
Pigments are fine powders or crystalline substances that give paint its color. They are insoluble in water or oil and are mixed with binders to create paint. The quality and type of pigment greatly af
Small containers holding paint in liquid or thick form for use in artworks.
A palette knife is a tool with a flat metal blade and handle used to mix paint or apply it to canvas in a distinctive manner. It is ideal for creating texture and impasto in paintings. Palette knives
A flat surface or tray where the artist mixes and holds paint while working.
A tool with a roller used to apply paint evenly over large areas, especially walls and canvases.
A palette is a flat board, often made of wood or plastic, used by artists to mix and hold paint while working. It is an essential tool in painting that facilitates color selection and blending. Palett
A tool used to apply paint to a surface, available in various sizes and types to achieve different textures and effects.
Palette knives are flat or pointed tools used to apply paint to surfaces or mix colors. They are especially useful for creating texture and thick layers of paint, particularly in oil and acrylic paint
A unique firing technique where ceramic pieces are removed from the kiln while hot and rapidly cooled to create distinctive textures and colors.
Realism focuses on depicting the world as it truly is, without romanticizing or interpreting. Artists aim to capture everyday life and ordinary subjects accurately.
Resin is a plastic material that hardens when mixed with a curing agent, widely used in crafts to create glossy and durable surfaces. It is often mixed with colors, flowers, or other decorative elemen
A measuring tool with straight edges used to draw straight lines or measure length in drawings and crafts.
Scented stones are small stones made or treated with essential oils to emit pleasant aromas. They are popular in candle making and soap making to add fragrance.
Sewing is a craft or industry involving joining or decorating fabric with threads and needles. Sewing is a fundamental technique in garment making, textile arts, and crafts.
A sewing machine is a device that facilitates and speeds up sewing by joining threads in fabric quickly and precisely. It is essential in garment making and various textile works.
Scrapbooking is a craft involving the assembly of photos, paper, and decorations on pages to preserve memories and tell stories. It is a creative way to embellish photo albums.
Sfumato is a painting technique where colors and tones blend softly into each other without harsh lines. This technique creates a hazy and gentle atmosphere in artworks, often used to depict skin tone
Silver printing is a photographic process that uses silver halides to create images with high sharpness and depth. This traditional method was common before digital photography became prevalent. It pr
Shading is the use of shadows and tones to depict depth and shape in a drawing or painting. It gives the image life and three-dimensional effect.
Shadow casting refers to how shadows fall on objects and surfaces in art to give a sense of light and volume. Proper use of shadows enhances realism and depth in artworks.
Technique of applying paint in irregular droplets by flicking or tapping the brush.
A technique where patterns or symbols are pressed onto the surface of clay before firing.
Soap making is the craft of mixing ingredients like fats and alkali to create soap through a chemical reaction. It is both creative and practical, allowing the making of beautiful and fragrant soaps.
Surrealism is an art movement based on dreams and the subconscious, where normal rules and logic are often broken. Images are often unreal and symbolic.
A technique where salt is sprinkled on wet paint to create texture and patterns as it dries.
A book with blank pages used by an artist to draw and develop ideas.
A liquid mixture of clay and water used to join or decorate clay pieces before firing.
Textile is an art form and craft involving fabric made by sewing, weaving, or knitting. Icelandic textile tradition is strong, emphasizing natural materials and patterning.
Textile is a material made from threads or yarns, commonly used in clothing, home furnishings, and artworks. Textiles can be natural or synthetic and form the basis of many crafts.
A print that uses two colors in production to create shading or color combinations.
Technique in art and craft refers to the methods and procedures an artist uses to create their works. It can be craft, printing, painting, or a combination of multiple methods. Knowledge of technique
Tempera is a painting technique where pigments are mixed with egg or other binders to create fast-drying paint. This technique was popular in the Middle Ages and provides bright colors with a matte fi
Trompe-l'oeil is a painting technique that aims to deceive the viewer by creating a convincing illusion of three-dimensionality and realism. The name means 'to fool the eye' in French. This technique
Surface qualities or tactile sensation in a print that provide depth and liveliness.
A vanishing line is a line in perspective where all parallel lines converge at one point. It helps create depth and realism in images.
A graphic format based on mathematical formulas describing images, allowing them to be resized without loss of quality.
The temperature at which clay transforms into a glass-like, harder substance during firing.
Varnish is a transparent or semi-transparent coating applied over paintings to protect them from dust, moisture, and damage. It can enhance color depth and provide a glossy or matte finish. Varnish is
Wheel throwing is a technique in ceramics where clay is shaped on a spinning wheel by hand to create simple or complex forms. It requires good control of speed and pressure to achieve balance in the p
Thin layers of paint applied over large areas to create a base color or background.
A printmaking method where an image is carved into a woodblock, with raised areas inked and printed.
Woodcut printing is a printmaking technique where a design is carved into a wooden block, which is then inked and pressed onto paper or fabric. It is one of the oldest printmaking methods characterize
Special paper with good water absorption capacity, designed to hold watercolour paint properly.
Wax is a substance that melts when heated and hardens when cooled, commonly used in candle and soap making. It can be natural or synthetic and offers diverse applications.
The art and craft of interlacing threads to create fabric or cloth.
A technique where wet paint is applied onto a wet surface to create soft and fluid color effects.
A technique where wet paint is applied onto a dry surface for sharper and more precise lines.
A technique where paint is applied on a wet surface to achieve soft and flowing lines.
An art form where pigments are mixed with water and applied to paper to create light and transparent effects.
Watercolors are paints made from pigments that dissolve in water, producing light, translucent colors. They are ideal for achieving soft color transitions and are often used in fine art and nature pai