A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Abstract – not realistic, though often based on an actual subject.

Abstract Expressionism – an art style that existed between 1945 and 1960. Abstract expressionist artists applied paint freely to huge canvases to suggest ideas, feelings, and emotions. The style is often called “action painting.” Many artists use slashing, active brushstrokes and techniques such as dripping, pouring, and spattering paint on canvas.

Activist – an individual who is extensively and vigorously involved in political activity, either within or outside the governmental system.

Acrylic paint – acrylic is a water-based “plastic” paint. It is valued for its versatility and can be cleaned up with soap and water.

Aerial – having to do with the air. Aerial may also refer to a view of something from an aircraft. Sometimes aerial has to do with the imagination.

Agriculture – the occupation, business, or science of cultivating the land, producing crops, and raising livestock.

American Scene Painting – paintings usually of the rural Midwest done during the 1920s and 1930s.

Ammunition storage – a place where ammunition is stored.

Apprentice – someone who works under a skilled professional to learn an art.

Architecture – the art and science of designing and constructing buildings.

Architectural – relating to the style of buildings or the job of designing them.

Art – the creation of beautiful or thought-provoking works, for example, in painting, music, or writing. Art is also beautiful or thought-provoking work produced through creative activity.

Art conservator – somebody who is responsible for looking after or restoring exhibits in a museum or collection, or other works of art.

Art on the Move – a program that brings original pieces of art to schools in Bucks County. Nineteen schools were chosen for participation in the 2004–2005 school year. The program includes a collection of artwork owned by Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 and maintained in partnership with the James A. Michener Art Museum. A Learning Opportunities Grant through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and a Legislative Initiative Grant awarded by Senator Joseph Conti funds Art on the Move.

Asa-no-ha – a popular traditional pattern often seen on Japanese kimono. Though people often forget about this today, the regular geometric pattern represents overlapping hemp leaves (asa-no-ha means “hemp leaf”). Because hemp was known for its rapid growth, the pattern was often used for clothes of newborn children. The wives of merchants would also often wear it. It was believed to bring good fortune to the wearer. This pattern is also used in Japanese woodwork and architecture.

Asp – a cobra used by the pharaohs in Egypt as a symbol of their power over life and death.

Asymmetrical – different on either side of a central axis; not the same on both sides.

Atmospheric perspective – any number of techniques used by an artist to give his or her work of art the illusion of space or depth. The most common methods include:

• Overlapping – objects on top are in front, objects at bottom are in the distance

• Placement – objects placed higher on a two-dimensional surface are farther away than those placed lower on the picture plane

• Details and colors fade in the distance

• Size change – objects that are smaller are farther away than those that are nearer

Avant-garde – avant-garde in French means “advance guard” or “vanguard.” People often use the term to refer to people or works that are novel or experimental, particularly with respect to art, culture, and politics.

Avebury – the site of an enormous henge and stone circles, located in the English county of Wiltshire, surrounding a village of the same name. It is one of the finest and largest Neolithic monuments in Europe, dating to around 5000 years ago. It is older than Stonehenge, which is located about 20 miles to the south, although the two monuments are broadly contemporary overall.