BSEH Secondary Drawing flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Contour line
- A line that defines the outer edge or shape of a form; cross-contour lines wrap around the form to describe its volume and surface changes.
- Vanishing point
- In linear perspective, the point on the horizon where parallel lines appear to converge; one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective use one, two, or three vanishing points.
- Rule of thirds
- A composition guideline that divides the picture plane into a 3×3 grid; placing key elements at intersections or along lines creates balance and interest.
- Foreshortening
- A technique to depict an object or figure receding in space by shortening its length along the line of sight, making nearer parts appear larger.
- Gesture drawing
- A quick, loose sketch that captures the action, weight, and overall flow of a subject in 30–60 seconds, used as a foundation for more detailed work.
- Negative space
- The area around and between objects; drawing negative shapes helps correct proportions and outlines by focusing on the spaces rather than the object itself.
- Construction lines
- Light preliminary lines that establish basic geometric volumes (box, cylinder, sphere) and axes before refining contours and details.
- Sight-size drawing
- A method where the drawing surface is placed parallel to the subject plane at the same distance from the artist, reducing perspective distortion and aiding proportional accuracy.
- Core shadow
- The darkest band on a form where the surface turns away from the light source; it lies between the halftone and reflected light, not at the outline.
- Cross-hatching
- A shading technique using intersecting sets of parallel lines; denser or darker lines create deeper values and suggest form and texture.
- Cast shadow
- The shadow thrown by an object onto a surface; its shape depends on the light direction and the object's form, and its edges are sharper near the object.
- Value scale
- A stepped scale from white to black (often 5–7 steps) used to plan and control contrast and tonal relationships in a drawing.
- Head unit proportion
- A system using the head length as a unit; an average adult figure is about 7.5–8 heads tall, with the pubic bone at the midpoint.
- Contrapposto
- A pose in which weight rests on one leg, causing the hip to rise on that side and the shoulders to tilt opposite, creating a natural S-curve in the figure.
- Action line
- An imaginary line through the figure's spine and limbs that conveys the main gesture and movement; it is the first mark in gesture drawing.
- Facial proportions
- The eyes sit halfway down the head; the nose base is halfway between eyes and chin; the ear spans from brow to nose base.
- Complementary colours
- Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green; mixing them neutralizes the hue toward brown or grey.
- Analogous harmony
- A colour scheme using hues adjacent on the colour wheel, such as blue, blue-green, and green, creating a cohesive and harmonious effect.
- Tint, shade, tone
- A tint adds white to a colour; a shade adds black; a tone adds grey or a complement, reducing saturation and value.
- Simultaneous contrast
- The phenomenon where a colour appears different depending on its surrounding colours; a grey looks darker on white and lighter on black.
- Madhubani painting
- A folk art from Bihar, India, characterized by double outlines, geometric patterns, and natural dyes, often depicting mythological and nature themes.
- Warli art
- A tribal art from Maharashtra, India, using white rice paste on mud walls to create geometric figures and scenes of daily life and nature.
- Mughal miniature
- A refined Indian painting style from the Mughal courts, known for fine brushwork, flat perspective, gold detailing, and subjects like court scenes and portraits.
- Pattachitra
- A traditional cloth-based scroll painting from Odisha, India, featuring mythological narratives, bold outlines, and natural colours.
- Elements of design
- The basic visual components: line, shape, form, space, value, colour, and texture, used to build any artwork.
- Principles of design
- Guidelines for arranging elements: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity, and variety.
- Kerning
- The adjustment of space between individual letters in lettering or typography to achieve even visual spacing and readability.
- Ornament
- Decorative detail added to a design, often using repeating floral, geometric, or calligraphic motifs to create rhythm and visual interest.
- Graphite grades
- A scale from hard (H, light) to soft (B, dark); 2B is common for sketching, while 6B produces deep shadows and is softer.
- Kneaded eraser
- A pliable eraser that lifts graphite without damaging paper; it can be shaped to a point for precise erasing and lightening.
- Fixative
- A spray or liquid applied to charcoal, pastel, or graphite drawings to prevent smudging; use in a ventilated area away from flames.
- Paper weight
- Measured in gsm (grams per square metre); 90–140 gsm suits sketching, while 200+ gsm is needed for wet media to prevent buckling.