Visual Art Terms: O
Obelisk: A tall, four-sided stone pillar with a pointed top, often used in ancient Egyptian architecture as a monument or commemorative structure.
Objet Trouvé: A term coined by French artist Marcel Duchamp, meaning "found object." The term refers to ordinary objects, often mass-produced or discarded, that are selected and presented as works of art.
Objective Abstraction: A style of abstract art that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the use of geometric shapes and forms that are derived from the objective world, such as architecture and machinery. The style is often associated with artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Piet Mondrian.
Oceania: A geographic region that includes the islands of the Pacific Ocean, including Australia, New Zealand, and the numerous islands of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.
Oeuvre: The complete works of an artist, writer, or other creative souls life's work.
Offset lithography: A printing technique in which the inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. It is commonly used for mass production of printed materials such as books, magazines, and packaging.
Oil Paint: A type of paint made by mixing pigments with a drying oil, such as linseed oil. It is a popular medium for artists because of its versatility and ability to create a wide range of textures and effects.
Old Master: A term used to describe European painters who were active before the 19th century. The term is usually reserved for artists who achieved a high level of technical skill and artistic achievement during their lifetime.
Op Art: A style of art that emerged in the 1960s that uses optical illusions and geometric patterns to create the illusion of movement or depth. It often includes black and white patterns or bold, contrasting colors.
Opaque: A term used to describe a material that does not allow light to pass through it. In art, it is often used to describe paint or other media that covers the surface completely, with no visible transparency.
Open Source: A term used to describe software or other creative works that are made freely available for anyone to use, modify, or distribute. This term is often used in the context of digital art or design.
Organic: A term used to describe shapes, forms, or colors that are found in nature or inspired by nature. In art, organic forms often have irregular, flowing shapes and curves.
Ornamentation: The use of decorative elements, such as patterns, motifs, or designs, to enhance the beauty or aesthetics of a work of art. Ornamentation can be found in a wide range of art forms, from architecture to jewelry making.
Outsider Art: A term used to describe art created by individuals who are self-taught, have no formal art training, or are considered to be outside the mainstream art world. Outsider art often reflects a unique perspective or individual style that is not influenced by traditional art techniques or styles.