Painting and Drawing Dictionary: Grow Your Vocabulary, #1

By Blake Pieck

1st Edition of "Painting and Drawing Dictionary", covering over 5300 words, and their meaning through various topics.

This resource caters to a wide range of artistic mediums within the realms of painting and drawing. Covering topics such as Acrylic Painting, Watercolor Painting, Oil Painting, Sketching, Rock Painting, and Digital Art/Illustrations, this dictionary is a treasure trove of over 5300 words. It is meticulously crafted to provide artists, students, and enthusiasts with detailed definitions and explanations of terms, techniques, and concepts specific to these varied forms of art.

The dictionary's focus on textual descriptions ensures a deep and focused understanding of the artistic terminology, making it an invaluable reference for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in painting and drawing.

Acrylic Painting: This topic covers the use of acrylic paints, which are known for their versatility, quick drying time, and ability to mimic both watercolor and oil paint. Techniques range from thick, impasto applications to thin, wash-like strokes, making acrylics suitable for a wide array of artistic styles.

Watercolor Painting: Watercolor painting is characterized by its use of pigments suspended in a water-based solution. Known for its translucency and fluidity, watercolor allows for a range of effects, from delicate washes to more vibrant layers, often used in landscapes, portraits, and abstract art.

Oil Painting: This traditional form of painting utilizes oil-based pigments that dry slower, allowing for richer, more textured layers and blending. Oil painting is renowned for its depth of color and has been a preferred medium for centuries for all types of subjects, from still lifes to portraits and landscapes.

Sketching: Sketching involves drawing with pencils, pens, charcoal, or other tools, often focusing on rapid, freehand execution. It's used for capturing ideas, planning compositions, or as an art form in itself, ranging from rough outlines to detailed, precise drawings.

Rock Painting: Rock painting involves decorating stones or pebbles with paints, often acrylics or markers. It's a popular craft for creating personalized gifts, garden decorations, or small art pieces, characterized by its accessibility and the unique canvas shape each rock provides.

Digital Art/Illustrations: Digital art and illustrations refer to artwork created using digital technology, like graphic tablets and software. This medium offers immense versatility and precision, allowing artists to create a wide range of visual art, from digital paintings and drawings to complex illustrations, often used in media, advertising, and animation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blake Pieck
• Release date: Dec 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223177715

Book preview

Acrylic Painting Dictionary

A

Abrasion   -   Surface Damage   -   Physical wear on a painting, often caused by rough handling or cleaning. 

Absorbency   -   Surface Quality   -   The ability of a painting surface to soak up paint. 

Abstract   -   Style   -   Art that doesn’t attempt to represent reality but uses shapes, colors, and forms for expression. 

Acetate   -   Material   -   A transparent sheet used for overlays or as a painting surface for certain acrylic techniques. 

Achromatic   -   Color Theory   -   Having no color or hue, often referring to blacks, whites, and grays. 

Acidity   -   Material Property   -   Refers to the pH level of paper or canvas, affecting its longevity. 

Acrylic   -   Medium   -   A type of paint made with pigments suspended in a synthetic polymer solution, known for quick drying and versatility. 

Acrylic Flow Improver   -   Additive   -   A medium added to acrylic paint to enhance its flow and reduce brush strokes. 

Acrylic Gel   -   Medium   -   A thick acrylic medium used to build texture and volume in a painting. 

Acrylic Gesso   -   Primer   -   A mixture used to prepare painting surfaces for acrylic paint. 

Acrylic Glazing Liquid   -   Medium   -   A solution mixed with acrylic paint to create thin, transparent layers called glazes. 

Acrylic Ground   -   Primer   -   A foundation layer applied to a surface to make it suitable for acrylic painting. 

Acrylic Ink   -   Medium   -   A fluid version of acrylic paint, often used for detailed work or staining. 

Acrylic Mediums   -   Material   -   Products mixed with acrylic paint to modify its consistency, drying time, or texture. 

Acrylic Molding Paste   -   Medium   -   A thick, textured medium used to add dimensional effects to an acrylic painting. 

Acrylic Paper   -   Surface   -   Paper specifically designed to hold the weight and moisture of acrylic paints. 

Acrylic Resin   -   Component   -   The binder used in acrylic paint, giving it its adhesive and coalescing properties. 

Acrylic Retarder   -   Additive   -   A substance mixed with acrylic paint to slow its drying time. 

Acrylic Skin   -   Material   -   A film of dried acrylic paint that can be used in various art projects. 

Acrylic Transfer   -   Technique   -   Transferring an image or design onto a surface using acrylic mediums. 

Acrylic Varnish   -   Finish   -   A protective coating applied to a finished painting to protect it from dust, UV rays, and other elements. 

Acrylic Wash   -   Technique   -   A method of applying a thin layer of diluted acrylic paint to create a translucent effect. 

Action Painting   -   Style   -   A style of painting associated with Abstract Expressionism, where paint is spontaneously dripped or splattered on the canvas. 

Additive   -   Material   -   Substance added to paint to change its properties, such as drying time or texture. 

Adhesion   -   Painting Property   -   Describes how well the paint sticks or binds to a surface. 

Adhesive   -   Material   -   Substance used to bond surfaces together. 

Aerial View   -   Perspective   -   Seeing a subject from above, offering a bird’s-eye view, often used in landscape painting. 

Aesthetic   -   Concept   -   Refers to the appreciation of beauty or good taste within the arts. 

Afterimage   -   Optical Effect   -   An image that continues to appear in one’s vision after exposure to the original image has ceased. 

Aging   -   Paint Behavior   -   The process of paint changing over time, which might include fading, discoloration, or becoming brittle. 

Airbrushing   -   Technique   -   Using an airbrush tool to spray paint, allowing for a smooth gradient or detailed work. 

Alizarin   -   Pigment   -   A synthetic pigment, originally derived from madder plant, known for its bright red hue. 

Alkyd   -   Additive   -   Synthetic resin used in mediums to speed the drying time of acrylic paints. 

Alla Prima   -   Technique   -   Painting in one sitting while the paint is still wet, also known as wet-on-wet. 

Ambient Light   -   Concept   -   The overall light in a scene or setting, affecting how subjects are portrayed in a painting. 

Analogous Colors   -   Color Theory   -   Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmonious designs. 

Anatomy   -   Subject Matter   -   The study of the structure of bodies, crucial for artists painting realistic figures. 

Angular Brush   -   Tool   -   A brush with slanted bristles, useful for detailed work and sharp edges. 

Antiquing   -   Technique   -   Applying a thin coat of dark paint and then wiping it off to give a surface an aged look. 

Application   -   Technique   -   The method or process of putting paint onto a surface. 

Apron   -   Equipment   -   Protective garment worn by artists to keep their clothes clean while painting. 

Archival   -   Material Quality   -   Refers to materials that are long-lasting and resistant to deterioration or yellowing. 

Art Critique   -   Practice   -   The analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of artworks. 

Art Movement   -   Historical Context   -   A collective term for various styles or trends in the art world at specific times, e.g., Abstract Expressionism. 

Art Therapy   -   Application   -   Using the process of creating art, including painting with acrylics, as a therapeutic tool. 

Artist’s Grade   -   Quality   -   Paints of a higher quality, often with better pigment and longevity than student-grade paints. 

Artist’s Palette   -   Tool   -   A flat surface, often wooden or plastic, on which artists mix their paints. 

Artistic License   -   Concept   -   The freedom artists have to deviate from accuracy or reality in pursuit of expressive or aesthetic goals. 

Asymmetry   -   Design Principle   -   A composition that is not identical on both sides of a central line, promoting interest and balance. 

Atmospheric Effects   -   Technique   -   Techniques used to capture the appearance of mist, haze, or other atmospheric conditions. 

Atmospheric Perspective   -   Technique   -   Creating the illusion of depth by changing color and clarity. 

Auxiliary   -   Material   -   Additional products or additives that assist in achieving specific effects in acrylic painting. 

Azurite   -   Pigment   -   A natural blue pigment made from the mineral azurite. 

B

Backdrop   -   Composition Element   -   The background or setting against which the main subjects of a painting are presented. 

Background   -   Composition Element   -   The area of a painting that appears furthest away, often setting the context or environment. 

Background Layering   -   Technique   -   Applying multiple layers in the background to achieve depth or specific visual effects. 

Background Tones   -   Technique   -   The use of specific shades or tints in the background of a painting to set a particular mood. 

Backlighting   -   Lighting   -   A light source coming from behind a subject, creating silhouettes or highlighting contours. 

Backwash   -   Paint Behavior   -   An unexpected back flow of paint or water on the painting surface, creating unique patterns. 

Balance   -   Design Principle   -   The distribution of visual weight in a painting, creating a feeling of equilibrium. 

Barrier Layer   -   Material   -   A protective layer, often a sealant or varnish, applied to protect the artwork. 

Base   -   Material   -   The primary layer or substance upon which painting is done, such as canvas or wood. 

Base Coat   -   Technique   -   The initial layer of paint applied to a surface, which serves as a foundation for subsequent layers. 

Base Layer   -   Technique   -   The first layer of paint applied to create an underpainting or foundation. 

Beading   -   Paint Behavior   -   When paint collects into droplets on a surface instead of spreading evenly. 

Binder   -   Paint Component   -   The substance in paint that holds pigment particles together and adheres them to the painted surface. 

Binder Breakdown   -   Paint Issue   -   When the binder in paint deteriorates, causing issues like flaking or separation. 

Binder Concentration   -   Paint Property   -   The amount of binder present in paint, determining its adhesive properties. 

Binder Overload   -   Paint Issue   -   Occurs when there’s too much binder in the paint, potentially reducing the paint’s adherence to a surface. 

Binder Ratio   -   Paint Composition   -   The proportion of binder relative to pigment in paint, affecting the paint’s consistency and behavior. 

Biomorphic   -   Style   -   Artistic representations that resemble organic shapes or living organisms. 

Black Gesso   -   Primer   -   A black preparation coating used to prep canvas or other surfaces for acrylic painting. 

Bleeding   -   Paint Behavior   -   When wet paint spreads into areas where it’s not intended, often due to overly wet application. 

Bleed-Proof   -   Material Property   -   Describes paper or surfaces that prevent paint from spreading or bleeding beyond its intended application. 

Blending   -   Technique   -   The smooth transition of one color or tone into another. 

Blocking In   -   Technique   -   The initial stage of painting where the artist outlines the major shapes and forms. 

Blotting   -   Technique   -   Using a material, like a cloth or sponge, to lift or remove wet paint from a surface. 

Blurring   -   Technique   -   Softening the edges or details of an object or area in a painting. 

Body   -   Paint Property   -   Refers to the thickness or consistency of the paint. 

Boldness   -   Style Descriptor   -   Art characterized by strong, vivid, or clear visual forms or colors. 

Bounce   -   Brush Behavior   -   The resilience or springiness of a brush’s bristles. 

Breakage   -   Tool Wear   -   When bristles of a brush break or fall out due to wear and tear. 

Bright Brush   -   Tool   -   A flat brush with short bristles for controlled strokes and filling small areas. 

Bristle   -   Tool Component   -   The hair or filament of a paintbrush. 

Bristle Texture   -   Tool Characteristic   -   The feel and appearance of brush bristles, which can affect the marks they make. 

Bristle Types   -   Tool Characteristic   -   Different kinds of bristles used in brushes, like synthetic, hog, or sable. 

Bristol Board   -   Surface   -   A type of high-quality heavy paper with a smooth finish, suitable for acrylic painting. 

Brush Cleaning   -   Maintenance   -   The process of cleaning paint off brushes to maintain their longevity and effectiveness. 

Brush Direction   -   Technique   -   The angle or orientation in which a brush is moved to create specific effects or strokes. 

Brush Drag   -   Technique   -   A painting technique where the brush is dragged lightly to create a textured or broken line effect. 

Brush Ferrule   -   Tool Part   -   The metal part of a paintbrush that holds the bristles in place and connects them to the handle. 

Brush Holder   -   Equipment   -   A container or tool designed to hold brushes, keeping their shape intact. 

Brush Loading   -   Technique   -   The method of picking up and distributing paint on a brush. 

Brush Maintenance   -   Practice   -   The regular care and cleaning of brushes to extend their lifespan. 

Brush Mark   -   Result   -   Visible strokes left by the brush’s movement on the painting surface. 

Brush Organizer   -   Equipment   -   A storage solution for brushes, keeping them organized and in good condition. 

Brush Preservation   -   Practice   -   Techniques used to maintain the quality and longevity of paintbrushes. 

Brush Quality   -   Tool Characteristic   -   The overall effectiveness and durability of a paintbrush. 

Brush Reservoir   -   Tool Part   -   The part of the brush that holds paint; typically, a larger belly on the brush allows for more paint to be held. 

Brush Sets   -   Tool Collection   -   A group of brushes, often varying in size and shape, sold together. 

Brush Shape   -   Tool Characteristic   -   The various forms of brushes, such as round, flat, or filbert, each serving different painting purposes. 

Brush Sizes   -   Tool Characteristic   -   The various dimensions of brushes, indicated by numbers, dictating the width or diameter of the brush tip. 

Brush Stroke   -   Technique   -   A mark made by a brush as it moves across the canvas. 

Brush Techniques   -   Skill Set   -   A collection of methods and strokes used by an artist to achieve desired effects using brushes. 

Brush Tip   -   Tool Part   -   The end of the brush where the bristles come to a point or shape. 

Brushwork   -   Technique   -   The individual characteristics of strokes produced by a brush, reflecting the artist’s style and technique. 

Buffering   -   Material Property   -   The ability of a substrate to resist changes in pH, affecting its longevity. 

Build-Up   -   Technique   -   Layering paint to achieve texture or depth in a painting. 

Burnt Sienna   -   Pigment   -   A reddish-brown pigment commonly used in paint, derived from natural earths or synthetically produced. 

Burnt Umber   -   Pigment   -   A dark brown pigment used in paints. 

Buttery   -   Paint Consistency   -   Describes acrylic paint with a thick and smooth texture, similar to that of butter. 

C

Cadence   -   Artistic Quality   -   The rhythmic flow of a painting, achieved through repetition or balance of elements. 

Cadmium Colors   -   Pigment   -   A family of strong, bright pigments derived from the cadmium mineral. 

Caking   -   Paint Behavior   -   The formation of a solid layer on the surface of paint, often due to drying out or poor storage. 

Canvas   -   Surface   -   A strong, coarse unbleached cloth made from hemp, flax, cotton, or a similar yarn, used as a surface for painting. 

Canvas Board   -   Surface   -   A heavy-duty cardboard with canvas stretched over it, used as a painting surface. 

Canvas Pliers   -   Tool   -   Pliers designed to grip canvas, making it easier to stretch onto stretcher bars. 

Canvas Tooth   -   Surface Property   -   The texture or roughness of a canvas, which can influence how paint adheres to it. 

Canvas Weave   -   Material Property   -   The pattern produced by the woven threads of a canvas, which can impact the texture of a painting. 

Canvas Weight   -   Material Property   -   Indicates the thickness and durability of canvas, often measured in ounces. 

Cast Shadow   -   Lighting Effect   -   The shadow cast by an object or figure, giving a sense of light direction and depth. 

Catalyst   -   Material   -   In painting, a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction; sometimes used in mediums or additives. 

Center Of Interest   -   Composition Element   -   The area or element in a painting that draws the viewer’s attention. 

Ceramic Beads   -   Additive   -   Small ceramic particles added to acrylic paint to create texture and dimension. 

Ceramic Stucco   -   Additive   -   A textured medium mixed with acrylics to achieve a fine-textured finish. 

Charcoal   -   Drawing Material   -   Carbon sticks used for sketching, often as a base for acrylic painting. 

Chiaroscuro   -   Technique   -   The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to achieve a sense of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures. 

Chroma   -   Color Property   -   The intensity or purity of a color. 

Chromatic   -   Color Property   -   Relating to colors or color intensity. 

Chromatic Aberration   -   Visual Effect   -   The perceived color difference due to the dispersion of light, less common in painting but sometimes used for artistic effect. 

Chromatic Scale   -   Color Theory   -   A sequence of colors arranged by hue. 

Clarity   -   Visual Quality   -   The clearness or sharpness of an image or painting. 

Clear Gesso   -   Primer   -   A transparent version of gesso, allowing underlying colors or textures to show through. 

Cohesion   -   Paint Property   -   The intermolecular forces that hold the paint together, affecting its consistency and application. 

Cold Press   -   Surface Texture   -   Describes paper or canvas with a slightly textured surface. 

Collage   -   Technique   -   An artwork created by adhering various materials, such as paper or fabric, onto a surface. 

Collaging   -   Technique   -   Incorporating pieces of various materials (like paper, fabric) onto a canvas, often combined with paint. 

Color Bias   -   Paint Property   -   The tendency of a paint to lean towards another color, evident when mixing. 

Color Blocking   -   Technique   -   The application of various shapes filled with solid colors in a painting. 

Color Constancy   -   Perception   -   The human visual system’s ability to perceive colors as constant under varying lighting conditions. 

Color Depth   -   Concept   -   The perception of a color’s richness and dimension. 

Color Fastness   -   Paint Property   -   The resistance of a pigment or dye to fading or discoloration under light or environmental conditions. 

Color Field   -   Style   -   A style of abstract painting characterized by large fields or areas of a single color. 

Color Gradient   -   Technique   -   A smooth transition from one color to another. 

Color Harmony   -   Concept   -   A pleasing arrangement or combination of colors. 

Color Layering   -   Technique   -   Applying multiple layers of color to achieve depth or specific visual effects. 

Color Lifting   -   Technique   -   The method of removing or lightening a color after it has been applied, often with a damp brush. 

Color Memory   -   Skill   -   An artist’s ability to recall and reproduce specific colors without directly referencing them. 

Color Mixing   -   Technique   -   Combining different paint colors to achieve a desired hue. 

Color Modulation   -   Technique   -   Gradually changing the color or tone in a particular area to create variation or emphasis. 

Color Palette   -   Tool   -   A selection of colors an artist chooses to work with for a particular painting or series. 

Color Perspective   -   Technique   -   Using color to create a sense of depth, typically with warm colors in the foreground and cool colors in the background. 

Color Relativity   -   Perception   -   The way our perception of a color is influenced by adjacent colors. 

Color Saturation   -   Color Property   -   The intensity or vividness of a color. 

Color Scheme   -   Concept   -   An organized selection of colors used in a painting or design. 

Color Shift   -   Paint Behavior   -   The change in a paint color when it moves from a wet to a dry state. 

Color Swatch   -   Tool   -   A small sample or patch of color. 

Color Temperature   -   Concept   -   Describes colors as warm (reds, oranges) or cool (blues, greens) based on perceived warmth. 

Color Theory   -   Study   -   The study of how colors interact, influence each other, and convey specific moods or emotions. 

Color Tinting   -   Technique   -   Adding white to a color to create a lighter version of it. 

Color Transparency   -   Paint Property   -   The degree to which light can pass through a color, making it appear translucent. 

Color Value   -   Color Property   -   The lightness or darkness of a color. 

Color Vibrancy   -   Color Property   -   The brightness or vividness of a color. 

Color Wash   -   Technique   -   A thin application of diluted paint applied uniformly over a surface. 

Color Wheel   -   Tool   -   A circular diagram of colors used to illustrate and teach color relationships, such as complementary and analogous colors. 

Combing   -   Technique   -   Creating patterns in wet paint using a comb or similar tool. 

Complementary Colors   -   Color Theory   -   Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel and when combined, neutralize each other. 

Complementary Contrast   -   Color Theory   -   The contrast created when complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel) are placed next to each other. 

Composition   -   Concept   -   The arrangement of elements within a painting, including their placement, balance, and relationship to one another. 

Concentrated Color   -   Paint Property   -   Describes paint with a high pigment load, resulting in strong, vibrant colors. 

Conservation   -   Practice   -   The professional maintenance and repair of artworks to preserve them for future generations. 

Contour   -   Drawing Element   -   The outline defining a form or edge within a painting. 

Contour Drawing   -   Technique   -   A drawing style that focuses on capturing the outermost edges of a form. 

Contour Lines   -   Drawing Element   -   Lines that define the edges and surface ridges of an object. 

Contour Shading   -   Technique   -   The use of shading to define and emphasize the contours or edges of an object or figure. 

Contrast   -   Design Principle   -   The difference between elements in a composition, such as light and dark or complementary colors. 

Contrast Ratio   -   Design Principle   -   The difference in luminance or color that makes an object distinguishable. 

Contrast Value   -   Design Principle   -   The relative lightness or darkness between different areas in a painting. 

Cool Tones   -   Color Temperature   -   Colors that give off a sense of coolness, typically including blues, greens, and purples. 

Covering Power   -   Paint Property   -   The ability of a paint to conceal or cover the underlying surface or color. 

Crackle Medium   -   Material   -   An additive used with acrylic paints to create an aged, cracked effect. 

Craqueleure   -   Surface Effect   -   A network of fine cracks or crackles on the surface of a painting, often due to aging or the application of different types of paint. 

Craquelure   -   Paint Result   -   The fine, crackled surface texture that can develop on paintings, often due to aging or environmental conditions. 

Crimp   -   Brush Part   -   The part of the ferrule that secures it to the brush handle. 

Cross-Contour   -   Drawing Technique   -   Lines that run across the form to indicate its three-dimensionality. 

Cross-Hatching   -   Technique   -   A method of shading using intersecting sets of parallel lines. 

Cubism   -   Art Movement   -   An early 20th-century art movement where objects are broken up and reassembled in an abstracted form. 

Cubist Technique   -   Style Application   -   A method of painting that breaks down forms into geometric shapes, inspired by the Cubism movement. 

Curator   -   Profession   -   An individual who manages and oversees art collections, often in a gallery or museum. 

Curing   -   Paint Behavior   -   The process of paint drying and hardening over time. 

Curvilinear   -   Design Principle   -   Pertaining to curved lines or shapes used within a composition. 

D

Dabbing   -   Technique   -   Applying paint by pressing or tapping a brush or tool onto the surface. 

Daubing   -   Technique   -   Applying paint in a rough or blotchy manner. 

Decalcomania   -   Technique   -   A method where paint is pressed between two surfaces to create a mirrored pattern. 

Decoupage   -   Technique   -   Art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper or fabric onto it, often combined with paint. 

Delamination   -   Paint Problem   -   The separation of paint layers, usually due to poor adhesion. 

Density   -   Paint Property   -   The thickness or viscosity of paint. 

Depth   -   Composition Element   -   The illusion of space and dimension in a painting. 

Detail Brush   -   Tool   -   A fine-tipped brush used for detailed work or intricate designs. 

Detailing   -   Technique   -   The act of adding intricate or fine details to a painting. 

Dichromatic   -   Color Theory   -   Using or involving two colors. 

Digital Sketch   -   Tool & Technique   -   A preliminary digital drawing used as a reference for an acrylic painting. 

Diluent   -   Material   -   A substance used to dilute or thin paint, such as water for acrylics. 

Dimensional Paint   -   Material   -   Acrylic paint formulated to maintain its three-dimensional shape once dry. 

Dimensionality   -   Visual Quality   -   The appearance or illusion of depth in a painting. 

Diptych   -   Art Format   -   An artwork consisting of two panels or pieces intended to be displayed together. 

Direct Light   -   Lighting Condition   -   Light that shines directly onto an object or scene without being diffused. 

Direct Painting   -   Technique   -   Applying paint directly without layering or mixing on the palette. 

Directionality   -   Design Principle   -   The perceived direction or flow of elements within a composition. 

Dissonance   -   Composition Element   -   The use of opposing or clashing elements to create tension in a composition. 

Distillation   -   Paint Behavior   -   The process of separating the components of paint by heating. 

Distressing   -   Technique   -   Techniques used to give a painting or surface a weathered or aged look. 

Divided Brush   -   Tool   -   A brush designed with bristles split into sections for specific techniques. 

Dominance   -   Design Principle   -   Emphasis of one element over others in a composition to create a focal point. 

Double Load   -   Technique   -   Loading a brush with two different colors side by side for blending on the canvas. 

Drafting Tape   -   Tool   -   Low-tack tape used to secure paper or canvas without damaging them. 

Draftsmanship   -   Skill   -   The quality of drawing or rendering within a painting. 

Dragging   -   Technique   -   Pulling a dry brush with minimal paint across a surface for a textured effect. 

Drapery   -   Subject & Technique   -   Representing cloth or garments in painting, emphasizing their folds and flow. 

Drawing Gum   -   Material   -   A peel-off masking agent used to preserve areas of the canvas that should remain unpainted. 

Drift   -   Technique   -   Gradually transitioning between two colors or tones. 

Drip Technique   -   Technique   -   Allowing paint to drip down the canvas to achieve organic lines and patterns. 

Drop Cloth   -   Tool   -   A protective sheet placed on the floor to catch paint drips and spills during painting. 

Drop Shadow   -   Visual Effect   -   A shadow effect where the shadow appears to be dropped below and to the side of the object. 

Dry Binder   -   Material   -   The solid part of paint that holds pigment particles together. 

Dry Brushing   -   Technique   -   Applying paint with a dry brush to create a rough, textured effect. 

Dry Film Thickness   -   Paint Property   -   The thickness of a paint layer after it has dried. 

Dry Mounting   -   Technique   -   Adhering artwork to a backing board using heat without wet glue. 

Dry Palette   -   Tool   -   A palette where paint is allowed to dry and can be reactivated with water. 

Dry Transfer   -   Technique   -   Transferring a design to a canvas using pressure rather than wet methods. 

Drying Time   -   Paint Property   -   The amount of time it takes for paint to dry to the touch or cure completely. 

Dry-On-Dry   -   Technique   -   Applying fresh paint onto an already dry layer of paint. 

Dry-To-Touch   -   Paint Property   -   The point when paint feels dry when touched, though not necessarily fully cured. 

Dual Tones   -   Color Theory   -   Using two prominent colors in a composition to create contrast and balance. 

Dulling Agent   -   Material   -   A substance added to paint to reduce its sheen or gloss. 

Dulling Medium   -   Material   -   An additive that reduces the glossiness of acrylic paint. 

Dullness   -   Paint Result   -   A lack of shine or luster in the finish of dried paint. 

Durability   -   Paint Property   -   The resistance of paint to wear, damage, or environmental factors. 

Dusting   -   Paint Behavior   -   The act of lightly applying a color over another without completely covering the base color. 

Dynamic Composition   -   Design Principle   -   An arrangement of elements that suggests movement or tension within a painting. 

Dynamic Range   -   Visual Quality   -   The range of light to dark values within a painting. 

E

Earth Pigments   -   Material   -   Colors derived from natural earth materials, often used for their rich and organic tones. 

Earth Tones   -   Color Category   -   Colors that mimic natural elements like soil, wood, and stone, such as browns, tans, and greens. 

Easel   -   Tool   -   A stand or frame for holding a canvas or board in place while painting. 

Easel Clamp   -   Tool   -   A device used to secure canvases or boards to an easel. 

Easement   -   Design Principle   -   A gentle transition or gradient between elements or colors. 

Echoing   -   Composition Technique   -   Repeating shapes, colors, or patterns to create harmony and connection within a painting. 

Eco-Friendly Paints   -   Material Category   -   Paints formulated with environmentally safe ingredients and processes. 

Edge Control   -   Technique   -   The deliberate management of soft and hard boundaries within a painting. 

Edge Highlighting   -   Technique   -   Emphasizing the edges or boundaries of an object with a contrasting color. 

Edge Quality   -   Technique & Result   -   The sharpness or softness of boundaries between colors or shapes in a painting. 

Edger Brush   -   Tool   -   A specialized brush for painting straight lines or edges. 

Efflorescence   -   Paint Problem   -   The crystalline deposit of salts that can form on the surface of a painting, usually white in appearance. 

Effulgence   -   Artistic Quality   -   A brightness or radiance emanating from a painting. 

Eggshell Finish   -   Paint Result   -   A finish that has a slight sheen, falling between matte and satin. 

Ejector   -   Tool   -   A device used to expel or spray paint in a controlled manner. 

Elastic Medium   -   Material   -   An additive that increases the flexibility and stretchiness of acrylic paint. 

Elasticity   -   Paint Property   -   The paint’s ability to stretch or flex without cracking. 

Elemental Composition   -   Theme & Design   -   Using basic shapes or natural elements as primary subjects in a painting. 

Elemental Contrast   -   Design Principle   -   The juxtaposition of basic elements, such as water and fire, in a composition. 

Elevation   -   Composition Element   -   The perceived height or placement of subjects in relation to the viewer’s perspective. 

Elongation   -   Paint Property   -   The ability of dried paint to stretch without breaking. 

Embellishment   -   Technique   -   Adding decorative details or elements to a painting. 

Embossing   -   Technique   -   Creating raised designs on a surface, sometimes combined with paint for a textured effect. 

Emissivity   -   Material Property   -   The ability of a material to emit energy, relevant when considering the effect of light on painted surfaces. 

Emotion Palette   -   Artistic Concept   -   The set of colors an artist chooses to convey specific feelings or moods. 

Emulsification   -   Paint Behavior   -   The mixing of two substances that do not typically combine easily, like water and oil in certain mediums. 

En Plein Air   -   Technique & Setting   -   Painting outdoors, capturing the scene or landscape directly. 

Enamel Effects   -   Technique   -   Using acrylic paints or mediums to mimic the glossy look of enamel. 

Encapsulation   -   Preservation Technique   -   Sealing or encasing artwork to protect it from environmental factors. 

Encaustic Effects   -   Technique   -   Mimicking the look of encaustic painting, where pigment is mixed with hot wax, using acrylic mediums. 

Endorsement Seal   -   Art Business   -   A stamp or seal indicating approval, authenticity, or association with an organization. 

Engineered Canvas   -   Material   -   A canvas specially designed or treated for specific properties, such as moisture resistance. 

Environmental Colors   -   Color Theory   -   Colors derived from or inspired by the natural environment, such as sky blues or forest greens. 

Ephemeral   -   Artistic Quality   -   Artworks that are transient or temporary in nature. 

Equiluminant Colors   -   Color Theory   -   Colors that appear to have the same brightness, even if their wavelengths differ. 

Eraser Shield   -   Tool   -   A thin metal template with cut-outs used to protect areas when erasing. 

Erasure   -   Technique   -   Removing paint or marks, often in the context of drawing or planning stages. 

Erosion   -   Paint Behavior   -   The wearing away of paint due to environmental factors. 

Etching   -   Technique   -   Using an abrasive or corrosive substance to create designs on a surface, sometimes combined with acrylics. 

Ethereal Quality   -   Artistic Impression   -   A light, airy, and often otherworldly feel in a painting. 

Evenness   -   Paint Result   -   A uniform distribution of paint without visible brush marks or inconsistencies. 

Evocative Imagery   -   Artistic Quality   -   Images that strongly invoke feelings or memories in the viewer. 

Exaggeration   -   Technique   -   Intentional distortion or amplification of features or elements for artistic effect. 

Expansion Joint   -   Material Property   -   A space or gap allowing for expansion or contraction, relevant when considering materials like canvases under different conditions. 

Expansive Composition   -   Design Principle   -   A composition that gives a sense of vastness or space. 

Expressionism Influence   -   Art Movement   -   Incorporating the style or principles of Expressionism, emphasizing the emotional experience over realism. 

Expressive Lines   -   Drawing Element   -   Lines that are varied and dynamic, used to convey emotion or energy. 

Exquisite Corpse   -   Collaborative Technique   -   A method where multiple artists contribute to a single artwork, often without seeing the other sections. 

Extemporaneous Painting   -   Technique   -   Painting without prior planning or sketching; spontaneous creation. 

Extender   -   Material   -   An additive used to increase the transparency and working time of acrylic paint. 

F

Fabric Medium   -   Material   -   An additive mixed with acrylic paint to make it suitable for fabric application without stiffening. 

Facet   -   Design Element   -   A flat surface, like those on a cut gemstone, often used as an abstract design element in paintings. 

Fade-Out   -   Visual Effect   -   A gradual diminution of color or intensity towards the edge of an area. 

Fading   -   Paint Behavior   -   The gradual loss of color or intensity due to environmental factors or age. 

Fan Brush   -   Tool   -   A brush with bristles spread out in a fan shape, ideal for blending, smoothing, and creating textural effects. 

Fat Edge   -   Technique   -   Leaving a thicker edge of paint along a brushstroke’s boundaries to give a painting texture or depth. 

Fat Over Lean   -   Technique   -   Applying thicker layers of paint over thinner layers to ensure proper adhesion and reduce cracking. 

Fauvism Influence   -   Art Movement   -   Drawing inspiration from Fauvism, which emphasizes painterly qualities and strong color over representational or realistic values. 

Fauvist Palette   -   Color Choice   -   A selection of bold, vibrant, and sometimes non-naturalistic colors inspired by the Fauvist movement. 

Faux Finishing   -   Technique   -   Using paints and glazes to replicate the appearance of materials like wood, marble, or metal. 

Feathering   -   Technique   -   Softening the edges of a painted area using a brush to create a gradual transition. 

Field Study   -   Technique & Practice   -   Observational studies conducted outside of the studio, often in natural settings. 

Figurative   -   Style   -   Artwork that is representative of real objects or figures, rather than abstract. 

Figure-Ground Relationship   -   Composition Principle   -   The visual relationship between the main subject (figure) and the space around it (ground). 

Filbert Brush   -   Tool   -   A brush with a flat, oval shape, suitable for blending and creating soft rounded edges. 

Filigree   -   Technique & Design   -   Delicate and intricate ornamentation, often inspired by fine metalwork designs. 

Filtering   -   Visual Effect   -   Applying a semi-transparent layer or wash to modify the colors beneath. 

Finish Coat   -   Technique   -   The final layer or varnish applied to a painting to protect it and adjust its sheen. 

Finishing Touches   -   Technique   -   The