Color Comp Term List

Front 1

abstract shape

Back 1

a shape that is derived from a visual source, but is so transformed that it bears little visual resemblance to that source.

Front 2

aesthetics

Back 2

the study of human responses to art and beauty

Front 3

asymmetrical balance

Back 3

equilibrium among visual elements that do not mirror each other on either side of the axis

Front 4

balance

Back 4

the equal distribution of weight or force among visual units

Front 5

containment

Back 5

a unifying force created by the outer edge of a composition or by a boundary within a composition

Front 6

continuity

Back 6

degree of connection or flow among compositional parts

Front 7

contrast

Back 7

the degree of difference between compositional parts or between one image and another. contrast is created when two or more forces operate in opposition

Front 8

curvilinear shape

Back 8

a shape whose contour is dominated by curves and flowing lines

Front 9

definition

Back 9

1. the degree to which a shape is distinguished from both the ground area and from other shapes within the design. 2. the degree of resolution or focus of an entire image. sharply defined shapes tend to advance while blurred shapes tend to recede

Front 10

depth

Back 10

the measurement or sense of distance from an observation point, such as linear perspective in painting

Front 11

direction

Back 11

actual or implied movement of an element within a design

Front 12

dynamic

Back 12

energetic, vigorous, forceful; creating, or suggesting change in motion

Front 13

figure

Back 13

the primary or positive shape in a design; a shape which is noticeably separated from the background. the figure is the dominant shape in a figure-ground relationship

Front 14

focal point

Back 14

primary point of interest in a composition. a focal point is often used to emphasize an area of particular importance or to provide a strong sense of compositional direction

Front 15

function

Back 15

the purpose of a design or the objective which motivates the designer

Front 16

geometric shape

Back 16

a shape derived from or suggestive of geometry. geometric shapes are characterized by crisp, precise edges and mathematically consistent curves

Front 17

high-definition

Back 17

sharply focused visual information that is easily readable. high definition creates strong contrast between shapes and tends to increase clarity and immediacy of communication

Front 18

implied line

Back 18

1. a line that is suggested by the positions of shapes or objects within a design. 2. a line that is suggested by movement or by a gesture rather than being physically drawn or constructed

Front 19

line

Back 19

1. a point in motion. 2. a series of adjacent points. 3. a connection between points. 4. an implied connection between points. line is one of the basic elements of design

Front 20

line weight

Back 20

variation in line thickness

Front 21

low-definition

Back 21

blurred or ambiguous visual information. low definition shapes can increase the complexity of the design and encourage multiple interpretations

Front 22

movement

Back 22

in design, the use of deliberate visual pathways to help direct the viewer's attention to areas of particular interest. (kinesthetics: the study of movement)

Front 23

negative shape or ground

Back 23

1. a clearly defined area around a positive shape or form. 2. a shape created through the absence of an object rather than through the presence of an object

Front 24

non-objective

Back 24

shapes created without reference to specific visual subject mater

Front 25

organic shapes

Back 25

a shape that visually suggests nature or natural forces

Front 26

orientation

Back 26

the horizontal, vertical, or diagonal position of a composition or design element

Front 27

pattern

Back 27

a design created through systematic repetition. many patterns are based on a module, or repeated visual unit

Front 28

physical texture

Back 28

actual variation in a surface

Front 29

pure forms

Back 29

circles, spheres, triangles, cubes and other forms created without reference to specific subject matter

Front 30

point

Back 30

a geometric element that has a position but no extension

Front 31

rhythm

Back 31

presentation of multiple units in a deliberate pattern

Front 32

shape or figure

Back 32

a flat, enclosed area created when a line connects to enclose an area, an area is surrounded by other shapes, or an area is filled with color or texture

Front 33

space

Back 33

the area within or around an area of substance the artist/designer defines and activates space when constructing a three dimensional object

Front 34

spatial relationship

Back 34

the juxtaposition of two or more images that are spatially different, such as close up, medium shot, and a long shot

Front 35

static

Back 35

a composition that is at rest or an object that appears stationary

Front 36

symmetrical balance

Back 36

a form of balance that is created when shapes are mirrored on either side of a central axis, as in a composition that is vertically divided down the center

Front 37

texture

Back 37

the visual or tactile quality of a form. texture can be created visually using simple marks, physically, through surface variation, or through the inherent property of a specific material, such as sand as opposed to smooth porcelain

Front 38

unity

Back 38

compositional similarity, oneness, togetherness, or cohesion

Front 39

weight

Back 39

the visual or physical heaviness of an object