Drawing Terms

The way the parts of an artwork are arranged, according to the Principles of Art.

• Elements of Art
• Composition
• Principals of Art
• Unity

A single line drawing which defines the outer and inner edges of forms such as people and objects. 

• Line
• Form
• Gesture Drawing
• Contour Drawing

The near appearance of an artwork as evidenced by time, effort, and attention to detail. Care is taken to be precise, neat and careful

• Unity
• Asymmetrical
• Craftsmanship
• Details 

A value that goes from light to dark with little to no noticeable divisions or lines. 

• Graded Value
• Value
• Blending
• Gray Scale

The focal point of an image, or when one area or thing stands out the most. 

• Focal Point
• Emphasis 
• Difference
• Contrast

Empty area of an artwork that surrounds the subject matter. 

• Mars
• Space
• Negative Space
• Positive Space

Using compared lengths judged by holding the pencil at arm's length to draw correct proportions. Also used to compare angles and levels. 

• Line
• Proportion
• Balance
• Measuring/Sighting

A way of drawing that shows space by such methods as overlapping objects, using lighter values for distant objects, using less detail in distant objects, or using lines that appear to vanish at a point on the horizon. 

• Perspective
• Space
• Value
• Depth

The part of an artwork that is filled with something. 

• Space
• Negative Space
• Positive Space
• Depth

The comparative relationship of one part to another with respect to size, quantity, or degree; SCALE

• Proportion
• Scale
• Perspective
• Depth