Vocabulary Lesson
Learn 12 Essential Nouns Related to Art
Sculpture
NOUN - Basic
A three-dimensional artwork made by shaping materials like stone or metal.
Most sculptures in ancient Greece were made from marble or bronze.
Exhibit
NOUN - Basic
A collection of art or objects shown to the public.
An exhibit can last for months before moving to another city.
Portrait
NOUN - Basic
A picture or painting of a person, usually showing their face.
Most portraits are painted to capture a person’s personality.
Gallery
NOUN - Basic
A room or building where art is displayed.
Galleries can vary in size and style, ranging from small, independent spaces to large, prestigious institutions.
Canvas
NOUN - Basic
A strong cloth used as a surface for painting.
Traditional canvas is typically made from cotton or linen fibers.
Mural
NOUN - Intermediate
A large painting done directly on a wall.
Murals can be found in public spaces such as parks, schools, and urban areas, serving as landmarks or focal points within communities.
Mosaic
NOUN - Intermediate
A picture made by arranging small colored pieces, like tiles or glass.
Mosaics started over 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia.
Collage
NOUN - Intermediate
An artwork created by gluing different materials, like paper or fabric, together.
The collage trend grew popular with modern artists in the 20th century.
Restoration
NOUN - Intermediate
The process of fixing or cleaning old or damaged art.
Restoration removes dirt without harming the artwork’s colors.
Composition
NOUN - Intermediate
The way elements like colors and shapes are arranged in an artwork.
The rule of thirds is a common guideline used in composition; it divides the image into thirds horizontally and vertically to achieve visual balance.
Interpretation
NOUN - Intermediate
Explaining or understanding what an artwork means.
The interpretation of a Banksy piece often sparks debates online.
Symbolism
NOUN - Intermediate
The use of objects or images in art to represent bigger ideas or feelings.
Symbolism became an official art movement in France in 1886.
