http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/ 2026-04-10T06:25:29+00:00 http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/ http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/lib/tpl/bootstrap3/images/favicon.ico text/html 2017-08-22T15:11:03+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=acceleration&rev=1503414663&do=diff Acceleration Acceleration is the transition–or change–in velocity. Applied Concept: As you roll a marble or toy car down a slanted surface, such as a ramp or flat declined board, the marble or car will slowly pick up speed, therefore, becoming faster over a period of time. The greater the decline of the board, the greater the acceleration. Negative acceleration is commonly referred to as deceleration. text/html 2017-08-25T16:05:12+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=achromatic&rev=1503677112&do=diff Achromatic Achromatic describes a lack of color (more specifically, a lack of chroma). Alternate terms: grayscale, hueless, black & white The image to the left includes color, hue, and saturation. It could be called chromatic. The image to the right lacks text/html 2024-04-23T21:45:02+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=ad101&rev=1713908702&do=diff AD 101: Process and Design Course Description: An exploration of various technical methods of construction, production, and assembly used in the creation of art forms (2D, 3D, and time-based), integrated with an introduction to and application of the visual vocabulary of art (visual elements, principles of design, color theory). text/html 2024-04-12T19:54:08+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=ad102&rev=1712951648&do=diff AD 102: Foundational Drawing Course Description: Introductory drawing course focusing on the methods and knowledge needed to create various types of spatial illusions and translate observed information onto a two-dimensional surface. Core Modules/Topics text/html 2021-08-26T14:16:45+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=ad270&rev=1629987405&do=diff AD 270 Concepts and Culture Course Description: This course engages in the direct experiential understanding and development of ideas and intentions within art and design. The emphasis is on understanding the relationship of art/design and its maker to culture at-large as a method of contextualizing a student’s current and future work. The comparative study of cultural products, visual representation, and visual conditioning, both historically and in contemporary society, will be discussed. text/html 2018-08-23T17:02:06+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=ad485&rev=1535043726&do=diff AD 485 Foundations: Theories and Practices Course Description: Utilizing a range of analytical and practical frameworks this course includes an intensive examination of the methods, production, values, philosophies and theories surrounding art and design. text/html 2017-09-01T15:05:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=additive_color&rev=1504278347&do=diff Additive Color Additive color is color created by beams of light. Red, green, and blue (RGB) are referred to as additive primaries and are the colors of light used in devices such as computer screens and projectors. text/html 2017-07-26T15:37:05+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=analogous_color&rev=1501083425&do=diff Analagous Colors Analogous color refers to a color scheme based on hues that are adjacent on a color wheel. Red and orange are considered analogous colors as are blue and green. text/html 2017-09-08T14:02:45+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=apparent_texture&rev=1504879365&do=diff Apparent Texture Texture is tactile, it can be touched (usually a 3D form). Apparent Texture is the visual representation of texture such as a photograph of texture or a drawing of texture (though the paper of the drawing could have texture as well... text/html 2017-09-08T15:21:24+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=asymmetry&rev=1504884084&do=diff Asymmetry Asymmetry refers to an arrangement of visual elements that is not symmetrical. See also Symmetry. text/html 2017-07-26T17:06:17+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=atmospheric_perspective&rev=1501088777&do=diff Atmospheric Perspective Atmospheric perspective is a visual phenomenon in which the density of the atmosphere progressively increases through space, creating a 'haze.' Shapes become more ambiguous, colors become less saturated, and overall brightness can increase or decrease depending on the time of day. text/html 2017-07-26T15:38:15+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=axis&rev=1501083495&do=diff Axis Axis refers to the initial sense of up/down and left/right. Think of axis as the spine of a figure -- the dominant vertical quality of a stick figure is determined by the central axis of the stick figure. The axis assists in the perception of depth, part of shapes, proportion, and ultimately what the shape actually represents. text/html 2017-07-26T17:06:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=balance&rev=1501088806&do=diff Balance Visual Balance is the intuitive optical equilibrium between parts of a composition. Visual balance cannot be measured and is a component that is felt. Each figure in composition has a certain “visual weight” -- bright colors typically appear lighter in weight than dark colors. Balance can be symmetrical (see also text/html 2017-08-25T16:02:05+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=brightness&rev=1503676925&do=diff Brightness Brightness refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a color. This is generally achieved by adding black or white to a color and will, as a result, affect the saturation of a color. “High” brightness refers to colors that are closer to white on a brightness scale and text/html 2017-08-22T15:11:59+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=change_time&rev=1503414719&do=diff Change (time) Change denotes the transition that occurs from one state to another. It is the act of making something become different. text/html 2017-07-26T15:39:45+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=closure&rev=1501083585&do=diff Closure Closure is a gestalt concept the refers to the visual tendency to create closed shapes even when part of the shape is missing. Closure bridges gaps in shapes and implies a complete shape. Closure with gaps in lines. A circle and square are perceived. text/html 2017-07-26T15:40:41+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=color&rev=1501083641&do=diff Color Color is a general category of visual experience that includes the components of hue, brightness, and saturation. Color can be specifically defined as different wavelengths of light. Objects and the materials of which they are made reflect only part of the light spectrum and therefore appear as if they have a given color. text/html 2017-09-15T13:48:31+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=color_temperature&rev=1505483311&do=diff Color Temperature Warm/Cool colors or color temperature refers to the physical or visual heat suggested by a color. Warm colors such as yellow and red make reference to warm objects such as fire and daylight while cool colors such as blue and violet refer to cool objects such as ice and overcast skies. In the visible spectrum, warm colors have higher wavelengths than cool colors. As a result, warm colors are said to 'visually advance' while cool colors 'visually recede. This is due to the wavel… text/html 2017-08-25T15:32:05+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=color_wheel&rev=1503675125&do=diff Color Wheel Color Wheel - A color wheel is an organization of hues around a circle, showing relationships between colors considered to be primary colors, secondary color, analogous colors, complementary colors, and so forth. text/html 2017-08-22T15:15:12+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=common_fate&rev=1503414912&do=diff Common Fate Common fate is a gestalt concept the refers to the visual tendency to group shapes together if the shapes move in a similar direction. The shapes do not have to exhibit similarity or exhibit proximity. In the animation below, look at the groupings when there is no motion. The circles create one group due to similarity and the squares to the right create a second group due to similarity. All of the figures can be perceived as one large group due to proximity. But when the shapes b… text/html 2017-09-15T14:04:22+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=complementary_color&rev=1505484262&do=diff Complementary Colors Complementary color refers to a color scheme based on hues that are opposite on a color wheel. Red and green are considered complementary colors as are blue and orange. Highly saturated complementary colors tend to visually vibrate (see also text/html 2017-08-22T15:16:19+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=compressive_force&rev=1503414979&do=diff Compressive Force Compression - Compression is the act of pressing together or forcing into less space—constricting or squeezing. Applied Concept: A vise squeezing together two pieces of wood is also acting as a compressive force. Expansion is the act of increasing in dimensions, volume, scope, or inclusiveness; enlargement, extension, spread. text/html 2017-09-22T13:32:06+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=continuity&rev=1506087126&do=diff Continuity Continuity is a gestalt concept that refers to the visual tendency to create continuous figures. Continuity is most commonly (though not exclusively) exhibited in the perception of lines and refers to the tendency to “carry the line forward.” text/html 2021-01-23T17:39:38+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=curvilinear&rev=1611423578&do=diff Curvilinear Curvilinear – A shape whose edge is dominated by curves. Curvilinear shapes can also be referred to as organic shapes, though organic shapes frequently reference “natural” curves whereas curvilinear shapes may reference synthetic or text/html 2017-09-22T13:44:14+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=depth&rev=1506087854&do=diff Depth Depth is the measurement from the front to the back of an object/space. In the case of an object or space, depth can be measured. Depth can also be the apparent distance from front to back or near to far in an image. A photograph does not have actual depth as it is a 2D surface, but it can possess the appearance of depth. text/html 2017-10-18T14:54:02+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=depth_cues&rev=1508338442&do=diff Depth Cues Depth Cues are a group of concepts that assist vision in determining depth. The majority of depth perception takes advantage of multiple depth cues, though it is possible to create the illusion of depth with a single depth cue. Depth Cues include: text/html 2017-07-26T16:12:34+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=descriptors&rev=1501085554&do=diff Descriptors Given the aspects of the visual field (figure/ground, motion, gradient), descriptors are structures that describe the interrelationship of the figures within the visual field. A given descriptor can refer to figure/ground, motion, or a gradient, though obviously the application will differ. It is possible to use size to create a figure/ground relationship, such as a grid of squares with one much smaller square. It is possible to use size to create motion, such as a square getting … text/html 2017-09-22T13:55:15+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=direction&rev=1506088515&do=diff Direction Direction describes the horizontal, vertical or diagonal representation of a figure. Direction of a figure can be actual or implied. Some figures have an explicit direction, such as a pointing arrow. Other figures, such as a group of squares, can be difficult to describe in terms of direction due to the symmetry of they figure. text/html 2017-07-27T15:10:06+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=dynamic&rev=1501168206&do=diff Dynamic/Static Something that is dynamic can be described as possessing or displaying energy/force or motion. Something that is static shows no change. It is characterized by a lack of movement, animation, or progression. (Static is a similar concept to text/html 2017-07-26T15:48:14+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=energetic_force&rev=1501084094&do=diff Energetic Force Energetic Force * Light - Light is a product of energy that is visible to the human eye. Applied Concept: The most common source of light is thermal energy. Light sources include the sun, incandescent bulbs, and flame. * Potential energy - Potential energy (PE) is energy stored in a physical system; this energy can be released or converted into other forms of energy. Forms of potential energy include elastic, electrical, thermal, gravitational, and chemical. text/html 2017-07-25T18:24:06+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=expressive_color&rev=1501007046&do=diff Expressive Color Expressive color refers to one manner in which color is used to describe shapes. Expressive color specifically refers to a use of color that is based on the artist's creative choice, whether the choice is based on a design decision or based on a conceptual decision. For example, painting a banana blue would be use of expressive color. Expressive color is also referred to as text/html 2017-07-26T17:10:24+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=figure-ground&rev=1501089024&do=diff Figure/Ground Figure/ground – Any shape that can be distinguished from the background is referred to a figure. The area around the figure is referred to as ground. Alternate terms: positive/negative space. Typically, a shape distinguished from the background is referred to a text/html 2017-07-26T17:10:57+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=figure-ground_ambiguity&rev=1501089057&do=diff Figure/Ground Ambiguity Figure/ground ambiguity exists when it is impossible to determine what would be considered figure and what would be considered ground. Common causes of figure/ground ambiguity are blurriness (gradients, camera blur, depth of field, smudging, etc.) or an immense quantity and complexity of figures. When it becomes difficult or impossible to determine when a figure stops and the ground begins, figure/ground ambiguity occurs. Note: this is distinctly different that text/html 2017-10-06T13:38:45+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=figure-ground_reversal&rev=1507297125&do=diff Figure/Ground Reversal Figure/ground reversal exists when a shape could be seen as either figure or ground. The most common cause of figure/ground reversal is similar size of figures. ..is the square in the center of the circle perceived as a black square on top of the circle or a hole in the circle? text/html 2017-07-25T18:48:55+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=file_format&rev=1501008535&do=diff File Format File Formats for Digital Images File Formats are a standard means for saving digital images. There are a variety of common file formats and perhaps a hundred less common file formats. The primary difference between many formats is how an image is compressed. Compressing images is a method used to make the file smaller and speed up transmission of the file. Compressed images are the standard for web pages as users do not want to wait a long time simply to view an uncompressed image. text/html 2017-10-13T13:27:22+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=focal_point&rev=1507901242&do=diff Focal Point The Focal Point is a specific part or area of a work that gains visual prominance. The focal point is usually used as an attempt to attract the viewer's attention, to create an area that the viewer's eye returns to again and again. Focal points can be created many ways but most commonly the focal point is created through contrasting the focal point with the other visual elements using changes in direction, size, shape, hue, brightness, or texture. text/html 2017-07-25T18:56:18+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=force&rev=1501008978&do=diff Force Force is the capacity to cause physical change via energy. Applied Concept: Force can be an influence that, if applied to an object, results its acceleration. It can also cause elastic deformation, torsion, and other physical effects to an object. text/html 2017-10-13T13:28:22+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=form&rev=1507901302&do=diff Form A form is a conceptual reference to a three-dimensional unit. A form has height, width, and depth and is defined by points, lines, and planes. In a two-dimensional application, a form is an illusion created through the use of depth cues. In a three-dimensional application, a form text/html 2020-08-06T16:23:27+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=foundations&rev=1596731007&do=diff NMU School of Art & Design: Foundations Program Overview Concepts - alphabetical glossary Courses: * Process and Design * Foundational Drawing * Concepts and Culture * Theories and Practices of Art & Design text/html 2017-07-26T17:12:05+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=geometric&rev=1501089125&do=diff Geometric Geometric – A shape derived from or suggestive of geometry. Geometric shapes are characterized by precise edges and mathematically consistent curves. Related Concepts: Shape, Rectilinear, Organic, Curvilinear. Braque, Georges. Man with a Guitar. 1914. text/html 2017-07-26T15:50:18+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=gestalt&rev=1501084218&do=diff Gestalt Gestalt - A German word that roughly translates as “whole” or “unified whole.” Gestalt theory of visual perception was developed in the 1920s and describe the visual tendency to create groups. Gestalt emphasizes the relationships of shapes to the whole. The Gestalt principles are text/html 2020-08-06T16:23:39+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=glossary&rev=1596731019&do=diff Concepts List: Glossary * Acceleration * Achromatic * Additive Color * Analagous Colors * Apparent Texture * Asymmetry * Atmospheric Perspective * Axis * Balance * Brightness * Change (time) * Closure * Color * Color Temperature * Color Wheel * Common Fate * Complementary Colors * Compressive Force: Compression, Density, Elastic, Expansion, Rigid * Computational Theory of Perception: blob, edge, vertex, recognition * Continuity (Gestalt) * Continuity/Di… text/html 2017-07-26T15:50:32+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=gradient&rev=1501084232&do=diff Gradient Gradient – A gradual increase or decrease of a visual quality such as size, orientation, brightness, or color (see Descriptors). The intervals of a gradient must be significant enough to discriminate change and must consist of sufficient intervals to sense a transition; three shapes will typically be insufficient to indicate a gradient. text/html 2017-07-25T19:10:16+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=gravitational_force&rev=1501009816&do=diff Gravitational Force * Gravity - Gravity is most commonly thought of as the agency that gives objects weight. Applied Concept: Gravity is a natural phenomenon and one of those fundamental forces by which all objects with mass attract each other. It is responsible for keeping the earth and other planets in orbit around the sun and for keeping people on the earth. text/html 2017-07-26T15:51:07+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=growth&rev=1501084267&do=diff Growth Growth refers to a change in quantity over time. Applied Concept: Growth implies an increase. It can include (but is not limited to) a change in size, number, brightness or strength. text/html 2017-07-26T15:51:18+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=halo_effect&rev=1501084278&do=diff Halo Effect The halo effect refers to the tendency of color to take on some of the qualities of an adjacent color, specifically along edges. This is very similar to the spreading effect but instead of changing the overall appearance of a color region, the halo appears on the inside and outside of edges. text/html 2017-07-25T19:13:28+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=height&rev=1501010008&do=diff Height Height is the measurement of vertical distance. Related concept: width text/html 2017-07-26T15:51:57+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=hsb&rev=1501084317&do=diff HSB Hue, Saturation, Brightness (HSB) - Color can be accurately described by defining the hue, saturation, and brightness of the color. Someone could say, “I made the shape blue” but that does not give enough information to understand the blue -- is the blue bright like the sky or dark like the ocean depths? Is it vibrant like a neon light or dull like faded paint? To fully understand a color description, all three components of color must be described. text/html 2017-07-25T19:31:31+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=hue&rev=1501011091&do=diff Hue Hue refers to a specific wavelength of color and is typically described as the name of the color. For example, blue, red, green, and yellow each name a specific color. The general guide for what constitutes a color name is the visible spectrum. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, red. All other name variations (pink, brown, cyan, etc.) can be defined as one of the spectrum colors when brightness and saturation are taken into consideration. In normal human vision, the wavelengths of vi… text/html 2018-04-19T18:09:25+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=kinetic_depth&rev=1524161365&do=diff Motion Parallax Motion Parallax or kinetic depth is a depth cue that is based on movement. As objects move through the field of vision, objects that are closer to the viewer move further across the field. In order to move further, closer objects also move faster. text/html 2017-10-13T14:17:09+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=known_size&rev=1507904229&do=diff Known Size or Scale Known size or scale is a depth cue that reveals depth through associations of figures and shapes that have an intrinsic size. A viewer knows that a house is larger than a mosquito so that if the two were approximately the same scale in an image, the house would be perceived as further away. text/html 2017-07-25T19:46:24+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=light&rev=1501011984&do=diff Light Light - Electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength in the range from about 4,000 (violet) to about 7,700 (red) angstroms and may be perceived by the normal unaided human eye. Light is responsible for sight - without light, the world would obviously be completely dark. text/html 2017-07-26T15:53:07+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=line&rev=1501084387&do=diff Line A line is a conceptual reference to a point in motion, a series of adjacent points, a connection between points, or an implied connection between points. A line has length but no width. Much like a point, the visual representation of a line does possess width, though typically very little width. A line can be straight, curved, move in one direction or change direction, be continuous or interrupted. text/html 2017-07-25T19:19:15+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=linear_perspective&rev=1501010355&do=diff Linear Perspective Linear perspective is a mathematical system for creating apparent depth and volume on a surface. Linear perspective has several aspects: * Forms diminish in scale as they recede into the distance. * The point at which all forms completely disappear (are too small to see) is called a text/html 2017-07-26T15:31:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=local_color&rev=1501083107&do=diff Local Color Local color refers to one manner in which color is used to describe shapes. Local color specifically refers to a use of color that is based on observation. For example, painting a banana yellow would be use of local color. Local color is also referred to as descriptive color. text/html 2017-08-22T15:17:59+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=momentum&rev=1503415079&do=diff Momentum Momentum loosely defined as “mass in motion.” Momentum is the tendency for objects to stay in motion once they are moving. The greater the mass or velocity of a moving object, the greater the momentum and the more difficult it is to stop. text/html 2017-07-26T15:55:44+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=monochrome&rev=1501084544&do=diff Monochrome Monochrome refers to a color scheme based on one hue. A monochromatic color scheme can include all brightness and saturation variations of the single hue. text/html 2017-08-25T15:14:15+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=motion&rev=1503674055&do=diff Motion Motion indicates change over time. Motion can indicate change of position or the ‘movement’ of a figure within the visual field, and motion can indicate change of size or the growth of a figure within the visual field. It is important to note that motion does not equate time and time does not equate motion; a figure could be stationary within the visual field over time and thus no motion occurs. Motion is typically described in terms of text/html 2017-07-26T16:14:31+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=organic&rev=1501085671&do=diff Organic Organic – A shape that visually suggests nature or natural forces. Related Concepts: Geometric, Rectilinear, Shape, Curvilinear. text/html 2017-08-22T15:21:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=orientation&rev=1503415308&do=diff Orientation Orientation describes facing such as front, back, top, and bottom. Orientation requires recognition of a figure in order to be described. A portrait with the subject looking directly into the camera would have frontal orientation while a portrait looking at the top of the subject’s head would have top orientation. text/html 2017-07-26T17:13:45+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=overlap&rev=1501089225&do=diff Overlap Overlap is the placement of one shape in front of another to create the illusion of depth. Related Concepts: Depth Cues. John Vachon. Rural school children, San Augustine County, TX. 1943. text/html 2017-07-26T17:14:01+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=pattern&rev=1501089241&do=diff Pattern Pattern - The use of the same visual element (usually a shape) multiple times in a systematic manner. Pattern is a form of repetition, but whereas repetition can be random or disorganized, pattern is organized. Pattern in a grid organization text/html 2017-07-26T15:44:21+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=perception_theory&rev=1501083861&do=diff Computational Theory of Perception The computational theory of perception is a theory that describes the stages of how humans visually perceive the world - from the moment the eyes catch a glimpse of something new to the moment that the brain understands that new information as a still life with a water bowl (or landscape, or portrait, etc.). Essentially, the core concepts of foundations (brightness, shape, grouping, direction, motion, etc.) are stages of visual perception. text/html 2017-07-26T16:23:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=physical_texture&rev=1501086227&do=diff Physical Texture Texture is tactile, it can be touched (usually a 3D form). Physical Texture is created through surface variation or the inherent properties of a material such as sand as opposed to porcelain. Physical texture can be touched and felt, as opposed to text/html 2017-07-26T16:26:40+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=pixel&rev=1501086400&do=diff Pixel Short for “picture element,” a pixel is the smallest unit (often a square) that comprises a digital image. Every digital image, whether it is a digital file or digital display, is comprised of pixels. When examined very closely, each pixel within an image consists of a single color. Pixels are usually very small and can be seen when a digital images is text/html 2017-07-26T16:28:29+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=plane&rev=1501086509&do=diff Plane A plane is a reference to a flat, two-dimensional area that has fixed dimensions. A plane has height and width but no depth or thickness. Much like a point or line, a plane can be visually represented through the use of depth cues such as a photograph of a hallway in which the floor is a plane. text/html 2017-07-26T16:33:22+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=point&rev=1501086802&do=diff Point A point is a reference to a specific location in space. A point has no size, no shape, no color, and covers no area. It indicates position alone, whether the position is on a two-dimensional plane or in a three-dimensional space. Most often, a point is perceived at an intersection, such as the corner of a square. text/html 2017-08-22T15:22:14+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=positioin&rev=1503415334&do=diff Position Position describes the relationship between a figure and the format in which it will function. Position can be described relatively, such as lower right corner or center, or described absolutely, such as two inches from left margin and three inches from top margin. text/html 2017-08-22T15:25:38+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=position&rev=1503415538&do=diff Position Position describes the relationship between a figure and the format in which it will function. Position can be described relatively, such as lower right corner or center, or described absolutely, such as two inches from left margin and three inches from top margin. text/html 2017-07-25T18:43:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=potential_energy&rev=1501008180&do=diff Potential Energy Potential energy (PE) is energy stored in a physical system; this energy can be released or converted into other forms of energy. * Elastic - Elastic PE is the potential energy of an elastic object that is deformed under tension or compression. text/html 2017-08-22T15:23:08+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=primary_colors&rev=1503415388&do=diff Primary Colors Primary colors are the hues from which virtually all other color can be mixed. Red, yellow, and blue are the subtractive (pigment) primary colors on the color wheel; cyan, magenta, yellow are the print-process primary colors; and red, green, and blue are the text/html 2017-10-20T14:21:06+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=progression&rev=1508509266&do=diff Progression Progression - a continuous and connected change over time. Applied Concept: Progression implies or illustrates a continuous transition. It can include (but is not limited to) a change of position from one position to another, a change in orientation, a change in direction, or a change in color. A car driving smoothly from one location to another is a progression; a car that must stop at many stop-lights along the way is not a progression (though it could be many small progressions)… text/html 2017-07-26T16:46:45+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=proportion&rev=1501087605&do=diff Proportion Proportion is a correlation of size. It is the relative size of a figure on a given axis in relation to the other axis of the figure. For example, a rectangle that is 6” wide and 12” tall could be described generically as “taller than wide” or specifically as a “1 to 2 proportion.” Proportion can also describe one figure in relation to another figure: “twice as long” or “half as wide.” text/html 2017-07-26T17:14:54+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=proximity&rev=1501089294&do=diff Proximity Proximity is a gestalt concept the refers to the visual tendency to group shapes together if they are close to each other. The group will generally be perceived as a single unit. Proximity is relative to the number of shapes and the context of the shapes. In this example, one would probably describe it as an image of two shapes (cones). text/html 2017-07-26T16:57:28+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=rectilinear&rev=1501088248&do=diff Rectilinear Rectilinear – A shape composed of straight lines and angular corners. Rectilinear shapes can also be referred to as geometric shapes, though geometric shapes frequently reference “geometry” such as rectangles, triangles, hexagons, etc. whereas rectilinear shapes may reference virtually any shape composed of straight lines (rectilinear is a more general definition than geometric). text/html 2017-07-26T16:58:29+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=reflectivity&rev=1501088309&do=diff Reflectivity Reflectivity – a property of texture that refers to reflected light. Reflectivity can occur in a physical texture or an apparent texture. Four differing levels of reflectivity: text/html 2017-07-26T17:15:25+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=relative_size&rev=1501089325&do=diff Relative Size Relationship Relative size reveals depth through what the mind translates as closer and further from a viewer. If an image contains two automobiles of the same model and one is larger than the other, the larger automobile will be perceived as closer to the viewer. The is related to how linear perspective works, but relative size does not require the other aspects of linear perspective such as a vanishing point. Relative Size Relationship is a text/html 2017-07-26T17:04:24+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=repetition&rev=1501088664&do=diff Repetition Repetition - The use of the same visual element (usually a shape) multiple times. Repetition does not by definition indicate that there is any organization of the repeated elements -- at one extreme, the elements could be seemingly random in position; at the other extreme, the elements could be arranged in a very strict grid. text/html 2017-07-27T14:38:16+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=resolution&rev=1501166296&do=diff Resolution: PPI/DPI Resolution describes the level of detail present in a digital format. High resolution images and devices are generally considered more visually pleasing because the pixels are not visible. The actual pixels are visible in low resolution images and devices, resulting in blocky edges and a text/html 2017-07-27T14:40:14+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=retinal_disparity&rev=1501166414&do=diff Retinal Disparity Retinal disparity, sometimes called binocular disparity, is part of the process in visual perception that generates the depth and dimensionality. In the sequence of perception, this would occur at the surface/object stage. Specifically, retinal disparity is the space between the eyes that allows binocular vision to create depth perception. text/html 2017-07-27T14:43:35+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=rhythm&rev=1501166615&do=diff Rhythm Visual Rhythm is the sense of movment that is established through repetition of shapes. Visual rhythm is similar to musical rhythm -- music can be created through a pattern of sound and silence; visual rhythm can be created through a pattern of figure and ground. Rhythm, in contrast to repetition, does not require exactness; rhythm may have regular or periodic changes in size, color, texture, shape, etc. Visual rhythm will generally follow a path of arranged shapes. The path may be regul… text/html 2017-10-27T14:50:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=saturation&rev=1509115848&do=diff Saturation Saturation refers to the purity or intensity of a color. A “vivid” color is a highly saturated color and a “muted” or “dull” color is a low saturation color. Saturation generally diminishes when colors are mixed. Alternate terms: text/html 2017-07-27T14:44:26+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=secondary_colors&rev=1501166666&do=diff Secondary Colors Secondary Colors are the hues created by mixing adjacent primary colors. In paint, orange, green, and violet are secondary colors. text/html 2017-07-27T14:51:37+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=shadows-shading&rev=1501167097&do=diff Shadows/Shading Shadows/Shading is a depth cue that combines two elements. The first element is shadows which refers to the use of a cast shadow or shadows within an image. The second element is shading which refers to the use of a range of brightness to create plasticity. text/html 2017-07-27T14:52:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=shape&rev=1501167167&do=diff Shape Shape is a figure with individual identity enclosed by a line. Related Concepts: Geometric, Rectilinear, Organic, Curvilinear. text/html 2017-06-20T00:07:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=sidebar&rev=1497917270&do=diff Quicklinks * Main Page * Glossary - alphabetical text/html 2018-09-20T19:43:12+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=similarity&rev=1537472592&do=diff Similarity Similarity is a gestalt concept the refers to the visual tendency to group shapes together if they visually resemble each other. The shapes do not have to be completely identical. The group will generally be perceived as a single unit. Typically, similarity also requires some amount of text/html 2017-07-27T15:00:15+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=simultaneous_contrast&rev=1501167615&do=diff Simultaneous Contrast Simultaneous contrast is the optical alteration of a color by a surrounding color. Different color combinations (hue, saturation, brightness) can results in color alterations such as making a color appear brighter, darker, more saturated, less saturated, and even make a color appear to be a different color. text/html 2017-07-27T15:02:14+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=size&rev=1501167734&do=diff Size/Scale Size or Scale is the measurement of a figure relative to the person perceiving it and relative to the ground. The size of a figure can be defined absolutely (for example, 2” x 2”). The size of a figure can be defined relatively in relation to its position within the format in which it will function ( text/html 2017-08-22T15:26:42+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=speed&rev=1503415602&do=diff Speed Speed is a descriptor specific to motion. Speed describes the rate of change in any given motion. Speed can be defined absolutely (3 seconds) or relatively (faster, slower). In this example, the square to the right becomes the primary figure within the sequence because of motion. The motion is a change of speed and the speed is based on a motion of changing direction (rotation, in this case). All three squares are rotating clockwise, but because the right square is rotating much fas… text/html 2017-07-27T15:06:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=spreading_effect&rev=1501168007&do=diff Spreading Effect The spreading effect refers to the tendency of a color to take on some of the qualities of an adjacent color. The spreading effect is a specific implementation of simultaneous contrast. Alternate term: assimilation effect In the image below, the gray is consistent throughout the image but it appears more blue on the left half and more yellow on the right half due to the spreading effect. text/html 2020-08-06T16:23:27+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=start&rev=1596731007&do=diff NMU School of Art & Design: Foundations Program Overview Concepts - alphabetical glossary Courses: * Process and Design * Foundational Drawing * Concepts and Culture * Theories and Practices of Art & Design text/html 2017-08-22T15:27:05+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=stasis&rev=1503415625&do=diff Stasis Stasis is a descriptor specific to motion. Stasis describes a lack of motion or a figure at rest. Stasis is typically used to describe a period without motion within a larger period containing motion and could be described as a “pause.” Stasis is the absence of motion when there is other motion occurring. While a painting could be described as being in stasis because there is no other motion inherent in the painting, stasis would not be applicable. (Technically, any non-motion-based med… text/html 2017-09-01T15:35:04+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=subtractive_color&rev=1504280104&do=diff Subtractive Color Subtractive color is created by light reflected off of a pigmented or dyed surface. Cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) are referred to as subtractive primaries. text/html 2021-01-22T19:04:23+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=symmetry&rev=1611342263&do=diff Symmetry Symmetry refers to visual elements mirrored to the other half of the surface or form, in the case of 3-dimensional objects. Symmetry requires an axis by which the mirroring occurs. This axis can be vertical (left-right mirroring), horizontal (top-bottom mirroring), or diagonal. text/html 2017-07-27T15:19:32+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=tangent&rev=1501168772&do=diff Tangent A tangent exists when two elements barely touch, but do not overlap. A viewer may find it difficult to tell which element is in front of the other, leading to spatial confusion (figure/ground ambiguity). A tangent may create compositional imbalance by attracting unwanted attention, but with consideration, an artist may exploit the visual tension and confusion for specific social concerns or illusion. text/html 2017-08-22T15:28:25+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=tensile_force&rev=1503415705&do=diff Tensile Force Tensile force * Tension - Tension is when something is in the state of being stretched or bent. * Torsion - Torsion is a turning or twisting force. * Stress and release - Stress and release is the relationship between applying a force and easing/lessening a force. text/html 2017-08-25T15:44:03+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=texture&rev=1503675843&do=diff Texture Texture describes the visual or tactile quality of a figure or object. Texture can be created visually (in a drawing, for example) through the use of multiple marks of sufficient similarity so as not to be initially perceived as individual figures. Texture can be created physically (in a sculpture, for example) through surface variation or the inherent properties of a material, such as sand as opposed to porcelain. text/html 2017-07-26T17:16:01+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=unity&rev=1501089361&do=diff Unity Unity implies structure and stability within a composition. It takes the separate elements and creates a whole. Unity differs from the gestalt methods of grouping in that unity refers to the entire composition, not groups within the composition. Unity can be described as the state in which all elements complement each other rather than compete for attention. Unity can be accomplished through the use of text/html 2017-07-26T15:27:04+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=velocity&rev=1501082824&do=diff Velocity Velocity is the rate or speed of motion. It is the pace, speed, and/or tempo. Applied Concept: An object’s velocity can be correlated to quantifiable measurements - mph (miles per hour), meters per second, tempo (beats per minute) – or to adjectives describing the quality of speed – fast, rapid, slow, steady. text/html 2017-07-26T15:26:10+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=visual_field&rev=1501082770&do=diff Visual Field The visual field can be loosely defined as “everything a person sees.” The visual field includes everything that is visually perceived. In the case of examining a painting, the visual field includes not only the painting but also the area around the painting and any shapes that can be perceived in the periphery of vision text/html 2017-07-26T15:24:52+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=volume&rev=1501082692&do=diff Volume Volume is the measured amount of space an object occupies. Volume refers to the space within an object. Applied Concept: In architecture, volume refers to the space within the building. A filled measuring cup contains a measurable volume of liquid. text/html 2017-07-26T15:24:23+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=width&rev=1501082663&do=diff Width Width is measurement of a shape/space from side to side. It is typically taken at right angles to the height. Related concept: height