| Abstract |
The term refers to art that does not represent recognizable objects. It alludes to forms of twentieth century art in which the idea of art as imitation of nature has been abandoned. |
|
| Abstract Expressionism |
A movement in American painting that developed in New York in the 1940's. Most Abstract Expressionists were energetic painters. They invariably used large canvasses and applied paint rapidly and with force, sometimes dripping or even throwing paint directly onto the canvas. This expressive method of painting was often considered as important as the painting itself and it was generally believed that the spontaneity of the artist's approach to their work would draw from and release the creativity of their unconscious minds. |
|
| Academic Style |
The highly polished, finely detailed style that was promoted by the conservative 19th century academies. Most of it was worthy but boring. A lot of it appalingly bad.
|
|
| Acrylic |
First used in the 1940's, acrylic refers to a synthetic paint combining some of the properties of oil and watercolour. It can be used to create a variety of effects, from thin washes to thick brushwork. |
|
| Allegory |
A work of art where symbols or symbolic messages are used to convey the 'meaning' of the work. Thus it alludes to more than is apparent at first sight. The hidden meaning, symbols and cross-refernces may not always be easy to follow and may be deliberately obscure in the manner of a brain-teasing puzzle. Allegory and realism were combined with notable success by the Dutch 17th-century masters, and by 19th century realists such as Winslow Homer. |
|