Art Glossary

Acrylic on canvas is a technique where acrylic paint is applied to a canvas surface using tools like brushes and palette knives. Acrylic paint is a synthetic medium made from liquid plastic, which (...) read more

Acrylic on paper is a technique that involves using acrylic paints on various paper types and textures. Artists often choose watercolor paper with smooth or rough surfaces to apply acrylics using (...) read more

Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint made from pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It is water-soluble when wet but becomes water-resistant once dry. Acrylic paints offer unique (...) read more

Acrylic sculpture refers to both a process and the resulting object. The artist begins by creating a sculpture from clay, plaster, or epoxy, which is then used to make a flexible mold. Melted acrylic (...) read more

An airbrush is a device that sprays various media, including paint and ink, using compressed air. Artists use airbrushes to create a smooth, even application of color, often achieving effects that (...) read more

Aquagravure is a technique that combines multiple processes. It involves compressing wet paper pulp in a carved wood mold until the water drains off. The compressed paper is then painted, and ink is (...) read more

Intaglio is a printmaking technique where the artist creates marks on a metal plate that hold ink or dye. The inked plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the ink to the sheet. This process (...) read more

An archival print refers to a fine art reproduction of museum quality, created using the highest quality materials and methods. These prints are produced on the finest papers and with inks (...) read more

Contemporary Art in Argentina is a vibrant fusion of traditional and modern influences, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and dynamic spirit. From Buenos Aires, the heart of Argentina's (...) read more

Assemblage is an artistic process involving the combination of three-dimensional objects to create a work of art. The term, which originates from the French word for assembly, often involves the use (...) read more

Contemporary Art in Australia is a dynamic blend of traditional and innovative practices, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage and vibrant spirit. From Sydney, the epicenter of (...) read more

Contemporary art in Austria is a vibrant and dynamic field, with a rich history and a thriving present. The country is home to world-class museums like the Albertina and the Mumok in Vienna, which (...) read more

Belgium's contemporary art scene is a dynamic hub, marked by innovative expressions and globally resonant ideas. Renowned institutions such as M HKA and Wiels serve as important platforms for (...) read more

A body print is an art technique where the artist uses their body as a printing plate. This can be done by smearing grease, margarine, or oil on the skin, hair, and clothes, then pressing the body (...) read more

Brazil's contemporary art scene is a vibrant amalgam of cultural expressions, reflecting a rich, diverse heritage. Esteemed institutions like São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and Museum of Contemporary (...) read more

Bronze is a metal alloy made primarily of copper and tin, with a typical modern composition of 88% copper and 12% tin. Over time, bronze develops a patina, a surface color that often turns deep green (...) read more

Bulgaria's contemporary art scene brims with diverse artistic expressions, reflecting its rich historical tapestry. Prestigious institutions like Sofia City Art Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary (...) read more

A C-type print, also known as a chromogenic print, is a photographic print made from a color negative or slide. The print is created on chromogenic paper, which contains three emulsion layers, each (...) read more

Calligraphy is a visual art closely related to writing, involving the creation of decorative lettering or handwriting using a brush or pen. Contemporary calligraphy is the art of giving form to (...) read more

Canada's contemporary art scene is a vibrant blend of indigenous roots and global influences. Esteemed institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto and the Vancouver Art Gallery host a (...) read more

Carborundum is the trademark name for silicon carbide crystals, an abrasive material commonly used in sandpaper, cutting tools, and grinding wheels. Originally, artists used carborundum for grinding (...) read more

Cement refers to a variety of mixtures, typically made from clay, limestone, water, sand, and gravel, which form concrete used in construction. The term to cement also means to join or unite (...) read more

Ceramic is a term used to describe objects made from clay or other inorganic materials. These objects can be either decorative or functional and have been created since at least 4,000 B.C. Ceramic (...) read more

Ceramics is an art form that involves creating objects from clay. The clay is shaped, molded, and formed by hand or with specialized tools, then baked (or fired) in a high-temperature oven called a (...) read more