Visual Art Terms: L
Lacquer: A clear or colored varnish that is often used to coat and protect wood, metal, or other materials. Lacquer can also be used as a decorative element, and it is often applied in multiple layers to create a smooth and glossy surface.
Landscape: A genre of art that depicts natural scenery, such as mountains, forests, rivers, and skies. Landscape art can be representational or abstract, and it can be created using a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, and photography.
Life Drawing: A type of drawing that involves studying and drawing the human figure from a live model. Life drawing is often used as a fundamental exercise for artists, as it helps to develop skills in anatomy, proportion, and shading.
Lightbox: A box or frame that is illuminated from behind, often used in the art and design industries for tracing or drawing. A lightbox can also be used to display transparencies, slides, or other visual materials.
Line Engraving: A type of printmaking that involves cutting lines into a metal plate using a burin or other sharp tool. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, creating an image that is composed entirely of lines.
Linocut: A type of relief printmaking that involves carving a design into a block of linoleum. The areas that are left uncarved will be inked and pressed onto paper, creating a printed image. Linocut is a popular and accessible form of printmaking that can be done without the need for a printing press.
Lithography: A printing process in which a design is drawn onto a flat stone or metal plate with a special greasy substance. The plate is then dampened and inked, with the ink sticking only to the greasy design. The design is then transferred onto paper by pressing the plate and paper together.
Limited Edition: A series of prints or other artwork that are produced in a limited number, usually signed and numbered by the artist. Once the edition is sold out, no more prints will be made.
Live Art: A form of performance art that is created and performed in front of a live audience. It often involves a direct interaction between the performer and the audience, blurring the boundaries between performer and viewer.
London Group: A British art organization founded in 1913 by a group of artists who were dissatisfied with the limitations of the traditional art establishment. The London Group is known for its commitment to promoting new and experimental art.
Luminism: An American painting style that emerged in the mid-19th century, characterized by its focus on light and atmospheric effects. Luminist paintings often depict tranquil landscapes or seascapes, with a strong emphasis on the interaction of light and water.