Visual Art Terms: P
Paint: A type of medium made of pigment and binder used by artists to create works of art. Paint can be used in various forms including liquid, powder, and ink.
Painter: An artist who creates works of art using paint as the primary medium.
Painterly: A style of painting that emphasizes the physical properties of paint, such as its texture and viscosity, to create a work that has a soft and expressive quality.
Painting: The process of creating a work of art using paint as the medium. Painting can be done on a variety of surfaces including canvas, paper, and wood.
Panel: A flat surface, such as a board or canvas, used as a support for a painting.
Palette: A flat surface used by painters to mix and store their paints. Palettes are usually made of wood, metal, or plastic.
Palette Knife: A tool used by painters to mix and apply paint. Palette knives are usually made of metal with a flat and flexible blade.
Panning: A painting technique used to create a sense of movement in a painting. Panning involves using quick, sweeping brushstrokes to create a sense of motion and energy in the painting.
Panorama: A type of painting that depicts a wide, sweeping view of a landscape or scene. Panoramas are usually painted on large canvases and often include a horizon line to create a sense of depth and distance.
Paper: A versatile and widely used material in the art world. It can be used for sketching, drawing, painting, printmaking, and writing. There are many types of paper available, with different textures, weights, and colors, making it a popular choice for artists of all mediums.
Papier-collé: A French term that means "glued paper." It is a technique used to create a collage by gluing small pieces of paper, fabric, or other materials onto a flat surface such as canvas or paper. The technique was popularized by the Cubist painters Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso in the early 20th century.
Papier-mâché: A technique in which paper pulp or strips of paper are mixed with glue or paste to create sculptures or decorative objects. The mixture is molded into the desired shape and left to dry, after which it can be painted or decorated.
Pastel: A medium of fine art that consists of sticks of colored pigment compressed with a binding agent. The sticks are soft and powdery, making them ideal for drawing and painting. Pastels are available in a wide range of colors and can be used to create vibrant, textured works of art.
Participatory Art: A type of art that engages the audience or viewers as active participants in the creation or experience of the artwork. This type of art often involves collaboration between the artist and the audience, blurring the lines between creator and viewer. Examples of participatory art include interactive installations, community art projects, and public art initiatives.
Patina: Refers to the surface appearance of an object that has changed over time due to age, wear, or exposure to the elements. In art, patina can be intentionally created by applying chemicals or other materials to a surface to create a desired effect. Patina is often associated with antique or vintage objects, and can add depth and character to a work of art.
Pattern: A repeating design or motif, often used in textiles, ceramics, and other decorative arts. Patterns can be simple or complex, and may be geometric, abstract, or representational. They can also be used to create a sense of movement, rhythm, or harmony in a work of art.
Performance Art: A type of art in which the artist uses their body, voice, or presence to create a live performance that may include elements of theater, dance, music, and visual art. Performance art often has a political or social message and may be interactive or participatory. It can be challenging and provocative, pushing the boundaries of what is considered traditional art.
Persona: The social mask or facade that an individual presents to the world. In art, the persona can be a character or figure that an artist creates as a representation of themselves or others.
Perspective: The technique used in art to create the illusion of depth and space on a two-dimensional surface. By using techniques such as foreshortening and vanishing points, artists can create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface.
Photogram: A photographic print made by placing objects directly onto a light-sensitive paper or film, and then exposing it to light. The areas of the paper or film that are covered by the objects remain white, while the areas around the objects darken to create a silhouette effect.
Photograph: An image created by exposing a light-sensitive surface, such as film or a digital sensor, to light. Photographs can be black and white or color, and can be created using a variety of cameras and techniques.
Photographer: An artist who uses a camera to create images that convey meaning or emotion. Photographers may specialize in a particular type of photography, such as portrait, landscape, or documentary photography.
Photogravure: Printmaking process that involves creating a photographic image on a copper plate, which is then etched and printed onto paper. The process allows for a high level of detail and tonal range, making it a popular choice for fine art prints.
Photojournalism: A form of journalism that tells news stories through photographs. It is a powerful way to communicate events, people, and issues to a wide audience, often conveying emotions and perspectives that words alone cannot. Photojournalists use their visual storytelling skills to capture moments in time that are of importance to the public.
Photomontage: A technique in which multiple photographs are combined to create a single image. It is often used in art, advertising, and political propaganda to create a message that is different from the sum of its parts. Photomontage can be used to create surreal or dreamlike images, or to juxtapose seemingly unrelated elements for a particular effect.
Photorealism: An art movement that emerged in the 1960s and 70s that aimed to create paintings and drawings that were so realistic they resembled photographs. Photorealists use techniques such as airbrushing and precise brushwork to create highly detailed and lifelike images. The movement was a reaction to the abstract expressionism of the time, and sought to bring art back to realism.
Photostat: A process of creating photographic copies of documents and images that was widely used in the past. It was invented in the early 20th century and used until the advent of digital copying methods. The process involved exposing a photosensitive paper to an original document or image, creating a negative image, and then developing a positive print from the negative.
Pictograph: A type of visual representation of data or information that uses pictures or symbols to convey meaning. Pictographs have been used throughout history in many cultures, and can be found in cave paintings, hieroglyphics, and modern infographics. Pictographs are often used to make complex information more accessible and understandable, and can be used to convey information in a variety of contexts, from educational materials to warning signs.
Pictorialism: a photography movement that emerged in the late 19th century and lasted until around 1915. Pictorialist photographers sought to elevate photography to the level of fine art by manipulating their images to create a soft, painterly effect that mimicked traditional painting techniques. They often used techniques such as soft focus, toning, and hand coloring to create their images.
Picture Plane: The two-dimensional surface on which an image is created. It is the imaginary plane that separates the viewer from the image, and is an important concept in both painting and photography. Understanding the picture plane is essential for creating compositions that are visually interesting and effective.
Pigment: A material that is used to color paints, inks, and other media. Pigments can be natural or synthetic, and come in a wide range of colors. They are made up of small particles that are suspended in a liquid or binder, and can be mixed to create new colors and shades.
Pigment Print: A type of fine art print that uses pigment-based inks to create high-quality, long-lasting images. Pigment prints are often used in photography and digital art, and are known for their rich, vibrant colors and high level of detail.
Plan: A drawing or sketch that outlines the basic structure or composition of a work of art. Plans can be used for everything from architectural designs to painting compositions, and are an important tool for artists and designers.
Plane: A two-dimensional surface that has length and width, but no depth. In art, planes are often used to create areas of color or texture, and can be used to create a sense of depth and space when combined with other visual elements.
Plastic: A synthetic material that can be molded and shaped into a variety of forms. It is a versatile material that is used in many different industries, including art and design. In art, plastic can be used to create sculptures, installations, and other three-dimensional works.
Plaster of Paris: A powdered material that is used in art to create molds and casts of sculptures and other three-dimensional works. It is made by heating gypsum, a mineral found in sedimentary rocks, to a high temperature and then grinding it into a fine powder. When mixed with water, plaster of Paris hardens into a solid material that can be used to create detailed and precise replicas of original works.
Plasticizer: A substance that is added to a material, such as plastic or concrete, to make it more flexible or pliable. Plasticizers are often used in the manufacturing of toys, flooring, and other products to make them more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Plate: In art, a plate refers to a flat, smooth surface that is used for printing. Plates can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, stone, and plastic, and are used to create prints of images, text, and other artwork. The process of creating a plate involves etching or engraving the image onto the surface, which is then used to transfer the image onto paper or other materials.
Plein Air: A French term that means "in the open air." In art, it refers to the practice of painting or drawing outdoors, in natural light and surroundings. Plein air painting became popular in the 19th century, when artists began to venture outside of their studios to capture the changing landscapes and light conditions of the natural world.
Pliable: Refers to a material that is easy to bend, shape, or mold. Pliable materials are often used in art and design to create sculptures, installations, and other three-dimensional works. Examples of pliable materials include clay, paper, and certain types of metal.
Plinth: A base or platform that is used to support a sculpture, statue, or other three-dimensional artwork. Plinths can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, wood, and metal, and are often designed to complement the artwork they support.
Pluralism: A philosophical and political concept that emphasizes the diversity and coexistence of different ideas, cultures, and communities. In art, pluralism refers to the recognition and celebration of diverse artistic styles, techniques, and traditions. Pluralism encourages artists to explore and experiment with different approaches to art, and to appreciate the richness and complexity of art from around the world.
Polaroid Print: A type of instant photograph that is created using a Polaroid camera. Polaroid prints are unique in that they develop within minutes of being taken, and are often used for portraits, snapshots, and other casual photography.
Polyptych: Artwork that consists of multiple panels or sections that are arranged together to form a single composition. Polyptychs can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, canvas, and metal, and are often used for religious paintings, altarpieces, and other large-scale works of art.
Pop Art: a mid-20th century art movement that originated in the United States and Great Britain in the 1950s and 1960s. Artists of this movement celebrated popular culture and consumerism, often incorporating imagery from advertising, mass media, and everyday life into their work. Pop Art paintings often feature bright colors and bold graphics, with a sense of irony and humor. Prominent Pop Art artists: Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg.
Portfolio: A collection of an artist's or designer's work that showcases their skills, talents, and accomplishments. Portfolios can take many forms, from physical books to digital presentations, and are often used to showcase work to potential clients, employers, or collaborators. Portfolios can include a variety of materials, such as drawings, paintings, photographs, and design projects.
Portrait: Representation of a person, usually through a painting, drawing, photograph, or sculpture. Portraits can be formal or informal, and may be commissioned for a variety of purposes, such as to commemorate a historical figure, to capture the likeness of a loved one, or to serve as a record of a particular moment in time.
Pose: A particular position or stance that a subject takes in a photograph or artwork. Poses can be natural or staged, and are often used to convey a particular mood or emotion. In portrait photography, poses can be used to create a sense of intimacy or formality, while in figurative art, poses can be used to convey movement, tension, or balance.
Post-Impressionism: a late 19th century movement that sought to extend and develop the innovations of Impressionism. Artists of this movement often used bold colors, flattened forms, and a focus on the artist's subjective experience to create expressive and emotionally charged works. Prominent Post-Impressionist: Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Georges Seurat.
Postmodernism: A philosophical and artistic movement that emerged in the late 20th century. Postmodernism is characterized by a rejection of traditional values and a focus on fragmentation, irony, and self-reference. In art, postmodernism often involves the appropriation and recontextualization of existing images and ideas, and a blurring of the boundaries between high and low culture.
Praxinoscope: A device that was used in the 19th century to create the illusion of motion in still images. The praxinoscope consists of a spinning cylinder with a series of mirrors on the inside and a sequence of images on the outside. When viewed through the mirrors, the images appear to move, creating an early form of animation.
Pre-Raphaelites: A group of British artists who were active in the mid-19th century. The Pre-Raphaelites were known for their rejection of the academic art of their time, and their focus on medieval and early Renaissance art. Pre-Raphaelite art is characterized by its attention to detail, bright colors, and romantic subject matter.
Primary Colors: The three colors that cannot be created by mixing other colors together. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow, and all other colors can be created by mixing these three together in different proportions. In art, primary colors are often used in color theory and color mixing exercises.
Prime: In art, prime refers to the first layer of paint that is applied to a surface before the final layers are added. The prime layer helps to create a smooth, even surface for the final layers of paint, and can also help to prevent the paint from soaking into the surface.
Prime Lens: A type of camera lens that has a fixed focal length, meaning it cannot zoom in or out. Prime lenses are known for their high image quality and wide aperture, which allows for a shallow depth of field and better low-light performance.
Primitive Art: The art of cultures that are considered to be "primitive" or "non-Western." Primitive art often involves the use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, and clay, and is known for its bold, abstract forms and use of symbolism.
Primitivism: An artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the early 20th century. Primitivism is characterized by a fascination with non-Western cultures and a rejection of Western civilization and its values. Primitivist art often incorporates elements of non-Western art and culture, and is known for its bold, expressive forms.
Print Maker: An artist who specializes in creating prints using various techniques, such as etching, engraving, or lithography. Print makers often work in editions, producing multiple copies of their work that can be sold or distributed to collectors, galleries, or museums.
Process Art: A type of art that emphasizes the creative process and materials used to create the artwork, rather than the final product. Process art often involves using unconventional materials and techniques, and can involve elements of performance, installation, and conceptual art.
Profile: A side view of a person's face, often used in portraiture. Profiles can also refer to a summary of a person's background and qualifications, or a description of their personality traits and characteristics.
Proof: A trial print or copy of an artwork or design, used to check for errors or make adjustments before the final version is produced. Proofs can also refer to evidence or documentation used to support a claim or argument.
Prop: A physical object used in a performance or film to enhance the realism of the scene. Props can be anything from furniture and clothing to weapons and food, and are an important element of visual storytelling.
Propaganda: A form of communication that is used to promote a particular message or ideology. Propaganda can take many forms, including posters, advertisements, and speeches, and is often used in politics, advertising, and other forms of mass communication.
Proportion
Prototype
Psychedelic Art
Public Art
Purism
PVC
Plywood