Art appreciation is generally considered a cultured pursuit, but that does not mean you can't pursue your own studies into the world of sculpting, painting, glass works, and other means of expression. While personal opinion on pieces can vary greatly, beginning art students often study works considered to be classics done by famous artists.
Having a list of art terms definitions can help you have a greater appreciation for artists and their work. If you appreciate Renaissance paintings, you may want to learn more about abstract artists in the early 20th century. Even those considered experts usually excel in one field of art, making a glossary of terms useful when it comes to other specialized areas.
For those who want to dabble in their own artistic expression, taking a class or learning techniques can be constructive. However, keeping a listing of various terms and their definitions close at hand is still beneficial.
Specialized Art Glossaries
Because of the wide range of art techniques, having a specialized glossary of terms available can make looking up words easier. Those studying a certain time period or genre of art may appreciate an art dictionary directed towards that interest.
Save or bookmark the following specific art terms glossaries:
- Glossary of Glass Terminology: Use this site for finding artistic expressions, techniques, and words relating to glass art. Search by letter to find the information you need.
- Thomas Kinkade Terminology: The middle column of this page has listings of Kinkade-related artistic terms. Scroll to find the one you need. True Kinkade fans may find this page a useful resource.
- Glossary of Animation Art: Scroll to find out various terms related to animation art. The definitions are short, but they should provide a good background for those new to the world of animation.
- Glossary from Teach Impressionism: Look up words related to the Impressionist movement using this short glossary. It includes terms such as "plein air painting" and "Japonisme" and how the terms relate to the Impressionist movement.
- Glossary of Art Terms and Definitions: Use this Italian Renaissance site to find terms related to that genre of art. From "Mannerism" to "sfumato," this abbreviated dictionary has many key terms included.
General Art Dictionaries
If you want to have a comprehensive resource of art terms at your disposal, look for a more inclusive glossary of terms. Short definitions will give you the information you need quickly, and a number of various art ideas are at your fingertips.
A broad-spectrum dictionary like yourDictionary.com is a great resource for quickly learning more about a particular term. However, you may find a more lengthy definition and discussion within an art glossary.
Search for the terms you need defined within these glossaries:
- Art Terms and Definitions: A short listing of various art related terms from encaustic to Impressionism. Click the letter of the term you need or scroll through the brief descriptions.
- ArtLex Art Dictionary: A massive listing of art terms and definitions that even hits upon architectural and photographic art words. Charts, photographs, and renderings all help illustrate various ideas. Links to other terms within definitions are also found. You can search using the Google toolbar or by letter grouping. This is a database art students should have at their fingertips. A few ads do appear, but they generally are unobtrusive.
- Tate Glossary: Look up various words related to movements, artist groups, techniques, and jargon. Words relate back the Tate Collection. But, because this site has a number of general terms as well, you can look up phrases like "Kitchen Sink art" and find the answer you need.
- Art Wow Dictionary: Search the database or see all the art terms at once. Clicking on the term, such as etching, opens a new window with the definition contained within in it. Definitions are concise but usually more than just a phrase.
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