Shape, Value, and Texture Terms

An area that stands out from the space next to or around it because of a defined boundary or because of a difference of value, color, or texture.

Design in which shapes having two-dimensional quality appear to lie flat on the surface of the picture plane.

A shape which is essentially two-dimensional in nature but whose relationship with other shapes may give an illusion of a third dimension.

A shape that is three-dimensional in nature and exists in space. On a flat surface the artist can only create the illusion of it.

Those shapes created by exact mathematical laws. They are usually simple in character such as the triangle, the rectangle, and the circle, but can be other types of polygons.

Shapes whose boundaries usually consist entirely of straight lines.

Usually more or less irregular shapes which resemble the freely developed curves found in live organisms.

A mechanical system for creating the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface.

The relative degree of lightness and darkness.

The area of an object represented in art that receives the greatest amount of direct light.

The darker value on the portion of a form's surface that is turned away from the light source.

The dark area created on a surface when a form is placed so as to prevent light from falling on that surface.

A technique that emphasizes the blending of light and shade to create the illusion of objects in space or atmosphere.

Refers to areas of dark or light definitely confined within boundaries, rather than the gradual blending of tones.

The actual or the illusion of tactile value on the surface of an area as created by nature or by an artist through a manipulation of the visual elements.