Just like any field, art has its own unique language. While it might seem overwhelming, knowing a few key terms can be incredibly helpful when you're describing or appreciating artwork. Let's dive into Part 1 with some essential art terms that every art lover should know!

Abstract

Abstract art isn’t only about what you see with your eyes, but what you feel with your heart and soul. It’s like a visual song – a mix of feelings, concepts, and spirituality, creating something more profound than reality. Abstract art works blend forms, colours, and compositions to express the unseen. Think of abstract art as emotions on canvas. It’s less about the literal and more about the feelings it evokes. Next time you see an abstract piece, try to feel it rather than figure it out.

Acrylic

Acrylic paint, popularized in the 1960s, is a water-based medium that dries quickly, unlike oil paints, and is easily layered no matter the colour, unlike watercolours. It's known for its matte finish and ability to be shaped by various textures. Artists like David Hockney have used acrylics to great effect, especially in his iconic pool paintings.

Australiana

Australiana encompasses all things Australian, from its unique flora and fauna to its rich cultural heritage. This term is used to describe art that captures the essence of Australian life, making it a favourite among local artists and collectors.

Avant-garde

Originally a military term, avant-garde refers to artists who push the boundaries of traditional art forms. This term is used to describe innovative and experimental works that often shock or challenge viewers, much like the troops at the front line of an advancing army.

Laser light art is a form of avante garde art.

Brushwork

Brushwork refers to the unique way each artist applies paint to a canvas. The texture and movement created by brush strokes can convey a range of emotions and movement, from the calm of a smooth line to the chaos of short, choppy strokes.

Composition

Composition is all about arranging elements within a space. For sculptures, it’s three-dimensional, while for paintings, it’s a two-dimensional display. The placement of each element affects how we interact with the piece. A well-composed artwork draws you in and makes you linger. Imagine arranging a perfect flat lay. Composition in art is about placing elements in a way that guides the viewer’s eye and creates harmony. Composition can be one of the hardest things for a beginner artist to understand: Practice by sketching different layouts and see how they change the mood.

Conceptual

Conceptual art focuses on the idea. Imagine if your thoughts could paint! Modern art has embraced this, allowing artists to communicate deeper meanings beyond the visual. It’s like reading between the brush strokes. When you see a conceptual piece, consider the message or story behind it. The visual is just the tip of the iceberg.

Diptych/Triptych/Polyptych

These terms describe artworks composed of multiple panels: two (diptych), three (triptych), or many (polyptych). Often used in modern art and more traditionally in altarpieces, these panels can be hinged to allow for easy transport and display or framed separately to be hung side by side.

Expressionism

Expressionism is all about conveying intense emotions through art. Characterized by non-naturalistic colours and free-flowing brushwork, this style often features highly textured paint applications to create a sense of movement and emotion.

Figurative Art

Figurative art depicts real-world subjects, retaining recognizable elements even if they're stylized. Unlike abstract art, figurative artworks focus on real people, places, and objects, offering a more relatable view of the world. If you imagine art styles as a continuum, pure abstract works would sit at one end with photorealistic figurative art at the other.

Form

Form can refer to the physical nature of the artwork or the shapes within it. Think geometric (like cubes and spheres) or organic (like leaves and faces). It’s one of the seven essential elements of art, along with line, shape, value, colour, texture, and space. Form gives art its three-dimensional feel and has been central to art for centuries. If you are trying to master or understand form, practice by drawing simple shapes and combining them into more complex forms. Notice how they interact in space.

Hue

Hue refers to a colour’s position on the colour wheel, encompassing primary colours like red, blue, and yellow, and their combinations (secondary and tertiary colours). Understanding hues helps artists and viewers alike appreciate the full spectrum of colours used in art.

Impasto

Impasto is the art of laying down paint thickly. Imagine spreading butter on toast – but in a more artistic manner! Originating in the Venetian Renaissance, this technique makes the paint pop off the canvas, adding texture and dimension. Experiment with layering paint on your canvas using a palette knife and see how it changes the visual impact

Impressionism

Born in 19th century France, impressionism is a candid snapshot of life, fleeting, vibrant, and full of life. Artists painted spontaneously, often outdoors, capturing the moment’s light and movement with visible brush strokes. If you would like to try your hand, head outdoors and paint what you see. Try painting a scene in natural light and see how it evolves.

Limited Edition Prints

Limited edition prints are reproductions of original artworks that are produced in a restricted quantity. This limited availability increases their value and appeal to collectors, making them a rare and prized possession.

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll not only enhance your art appreciation skills but also be able to articulate your thoughts and preferences more effectively. Stay tuned next month for Part Two in this series where we will discover other commonly used art terms and explain them in an easy-to-understand way for the art beginner and art expert alike. Happy art exploring!

Understanding Essential Art Terms: A Beginner’s Guide (Part One)