Art and Design A-Level
Art and Design A-Level glossary
11 key terms for Art and Design A-Level, A to Z, each linked to the topic pages that use it.
C
- Chiaroscuro
- The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures.Pearson Edexcel
- Continuous Line
- A drawing technique where the pen or pencil is never lifted from the paper, creating one unbroken line.Pearson Edexcel
F
- Foreshortening
- A technique used in perspective to create the illusion of an object receding strongly into the distance or background.Pearson Edexcel
- Formal Elements
- The fundamental visual components used to create art: line, tone, texture, colour, shape, form, pattern, and space.Pearson Edexcel
G
- Gestural Drawing
- A quick, expressive method of drawing that captures the action, form, and pose of a subject rather than intricate details.Pearson Edexcel
M
- Mark-making
- The different lines, dots, marks, patterns, and textures created in an artwork.Pearson Edexcel
- Mixed Media
- An artwork in which more than one medium or material has been employed (e.g., watercolour and fine-liner).Pearson Edexcel
O
- Observational Drawing
- The practice of drawing a subject directly from life, rather than from a photograph or imagination.Pearson Edexcel
P
- Primary Source
- Subject matter that you observe directly from real life, rather than from a photograph or screen.Pearson Edexcel
R
- Resist Technique
- A method where a material (like wax or masking fluid) is applied to prevent another material (like ink or watercolour) from adhering to the paper.Pearson Edexcel
T
- Thumbnail Sketch
- A small, quick drawing used to explore multiple ideas for composition or layout before starting a larger work.Pearson Edexcel
Where these terms come from
Each definition is one we publish on a Art and Design A-Level topic page or study guide. Open a term to see how each exam board words it and which topic it belongs to. For the full course, go to Art and Design revision or the glossary for every subject.
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