Welcome to the Pixartt glossary. Below you will find definitions of the most important terms related to art, printing, and artistic techniques.
A process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file, layer by layer. Used in art to create sculptures, installations, prototypes, and objects with complex forms that are difficult to achieve through traditional methods.
An art movement rejecting the depiction of reality in favor of geometric forms, color patches, and lines. It focuses on color, shape, and composition rather than representational accuracy.
Paper with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH (above 7) that does not contain acids which could cause it to yellow and become brittle over time. Crucial for ensuring the longevity (archival quality) of fine art prints, documents, and photographs.
Paint based on acrylic polymer emulsion, fast-drying and water-soluble when wet. Characterized by intense colors and durability after drying.
A transparent thermoplastic (polymethyl methacrylate - PMMA), used as a lightweight, shatterproof, and often more scratch-resistant alternative to traditional glass in framing. May feature UV protection.
The traditional method of photography using light-sensitive materials (film, photographic paper) and chemical processes (developing, fixing) to capture and create images. Characterized by a specific aesthetic (e.g., grain, tonality) distinct from digital photography.
A special type of glass (or acrylic) with a coating that minimizes light reflections, providing better visibility of the framed artwork, especially in brightly lit environments. Eliminates or significantly reduces the mirror effect.
A term describing materials (paper, inks, framing materials) used for printing and framing that ensure their longevity and resistance to degradation (yellowing, fading) for decades or even hundreds of years. Archival materials are typically acid-free and chemically stable.
A style in visual arts, architecture, and design that first appeared in France just before WWI and flourished internationally in the 1920s and 1930s. Characterized by rich ornamentation, geometric forms, bold colors, and luxurious materials.
An institution or space (public or private) dedicated to the professional exhibition and often sale of artworks. Organizes temporary exhibitions and may conduct educational and publishing activities.
A three-dimensional art form that arranges a space and the objects within it to create a specific environment or experience for the viewer. Utilizes diverse materials, media (light, sound, video), and often engages the audience in interaction or movement within the work.
An influential German art school founded by Walter Gropius in 1919, operating until 1933, that combined crafts, fine arts, and architecture. Known for its approach to design that emphasized functionalism, simplicity of form, and geometric shapes.
A pen with a flexible, brush-like tip, used in calligraphy, lettering, and drawing. Allows for creating lines of varying thickness, mimicking a traditional brush.
A durable woven fabric, typically made of cotton, linen, or synthetic fibers, used as a surface for oil painting, acrylic painting, or printing. Available in various weights, weaves, and priming.
A subtractive color model used in color printing, based on four primary ink colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). Mixing these colors by layering halftone dots allows for a wide range of colors on a white substrate. Files for professional printing should be prepared in this color space.
An artistic technique of creating an artwork by assembling different forms, thus creating a new whole. Often involves pasting materials like paper clippings, photographs, fabric onto a surface.
A system of standards, procedures, and technologies (using ICC profiles, among others) aimed at ensuring consistent and predictable color reproduction across different devices (camera, scanner, monitor, printer) throughout the digital imaging workflow.
The arrangement of visual elements (lines, shapes, colors, textures) within a work of art or graphic design to form a unified and intentional whole. It determines the harmony, balance, dynamics, and message of the image.
High-quality paper made entirely or partially from cotton fibers (linters or rags). Valued in fine art printing and watercolor for its exceptional durability (archival quality), absorbency, pleasant texture, and resistance to yellowing. Usually acid-free.
An early-20th-century avant-garde art movement pioneered by Picasso and Braque that revolutionized European painting and sculpture. It involves analyzing objects, breaking them up into geometric shapes, and depicting them from multiple viewpoints simultaneously.
A person responsible for the conceptual development, theme, selection of works, and their presentation method in an art exhibition or within a museum collection. They create the exhibition narrative, write accompanying texts, and oversee its realization.
A historic, alternative photographic printing process invented in 1842, producing characteristic prints in shades of Prussian blue. It utilizes the light sensitivity of iron salts and a water development process. Valued for its simplicity and unique aesthetic.
A room completely darkened or illuminated with special safelight (e.g., red), equipped with tools (e.g., enlarger, trays, chemicals) for manually developing negatives and making prints from light-sensitive materials in analog photography.
Art created using digital technologies, including computers, graphic tablets, and software. It encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques performed within digital graphic programs.
A measure of print resolution indicating the number of individual dots of ink a printer can place within one inch. A higher DPI value generally results in a higher quality, more detailed print.
A public presentation of artworks, objects, or themes in a specific space (e.g., gallery, museum) and time. Includes the arrangement of works, lighting, informational elements (labels, panels), and the overall concept of the show.
An art movement originating in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, aiming to express subjective emotions and responses rather than objective reality. Characterized by distorted forms, intense colors, and dramatic expression.
An early 20th-century art movement led by artists like Matisse and Derain, characterized by strong colors and fierce brushwork, not constrained by realistic representation. The name comes from the French word "fauves" (wild beasts).
A high-quality print of an artwork (reproduction or original digital work) made using professional techniques (e.g., Giclée), archival inks, and archival papers. Characterized by excellent color accuracy, detail reproduction, and longevity.
An edging, usually made of wood, metal (e.g., aluminum), or plastic (e.g., MDF, polystyrene), used to protect, stiffen, and aesthetically present a poster, painting, print, or photograph. Available in a vast variety of profiles, colors, and styles.
The comprehensive process and the final result of preparing a poster, print, or other artwork for display. Typically includes selecting and assembling the frame, an optional passe-partout/mat, and protective glazing (glass or acrylic). Protects the work from damage and dust and enhances its aesthetic value.
A form of digital art where the artwork (or part of it) is created using an autonomous system, often based on algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI), randomness, or mathematical rules. The artist defines the process or rules, and the system generates the outcome.
An high-quality fine art printing process using advanced inkjet printers with multiple (often 8-12) pigment-based inks. It provides superior color accuracy across a wide gamut and archival print permanence (often exceeding 100 years).
A paper finish with a high gloss that reflects light, intensifying colors, contrast, and the impression of sharpness. However, it can cause strong reflections. Popular for photography and posters with vibrant, saturated colors.
A form of visual art, usually created illegally in public spaces, involving painting images, inscriptions (tags, throw-ups), and stylized letters on walls, buildings, trains, etc., primarily using spray paint and markers. It has its own distinct aesthetics and subculture.
A measure indicating the mass (weight) of paper or canvas in grams per square meter (g/m² or gsm). Higher grammage generally means thicker, stiffer, and more durable material.
An input device for computers, consisting of a flat surface (tablet) and a special pen (stylus). It allows for natural digital drawing, painting, and design by translating hand movements and pressure sensitivity into a graphic software.
A form of carbon used in pencils, available in various degrees of hardness. The hardness scale is typically marked with letters H (hard) and B (soft/black).
Paper produced using the traditional method of manually dipping a mould and deckle into a vat of paper pulp. Characterized by a unique, irregular texture, often visible fibers, and distinctive uneven edges (deckle edges). Each sheet is unique.
A technique in photography and digital image processing that allows for capturing or creating images with a very wide range of tones (difference between the brightest and darkest areas). Typically involves taking multiple photos of the same scene at different exposures and merging them into a single image showing detail in both highlights and shadows.
A standard data file (.icc or .icm) describing the color space and color rendering characteristics of a specific device (e.g., monitor, printer, scanner) or an abstract color space (e.g., sRGB, Adobe RGB). Enables color management systems to correctly interpret and convert colors.
A picture or drawing that explains, complements, or decorates a text, or serves as a standalone graphic artwork. Can be created using various traditional or digital techniques.
A 19th-century art movement originating with Paris-based artists, characterized by relatively small, thin, yet visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on accurate depiction of light in its changing qualities (often accentuating the effects of the passage of time), ordinary subject matter, and inclusion of movement as a crucial element of human perception and experience.
Traditional Japanese paper, handmade or machine-made from long plant fibers (e.g., paper mulberry - kozo, mitsumata shrub, gampi plant). Prized for its exceptional strength despite thinness, lightness, translucency, and beautiful texture. Used in art (calligraphy, woodblock printing), conservation, and crafts.
The process of applying a thin, transparent layer of plastic film (laminate) to a print for protection against moisture, dirt, UV radiation, and mechanical damage. Available in matte, semi-matte, or glossy finishes.
The art of drawing letters and creating unique typographic compositions by hand, distinct from calligraphy (writing) and typography (using pre-made fonts). Often incorporates illustrative elements.
A specific, predetermined limited number of identical prints or reproductions of a particular artwork, set by the artist or publisher. Each copy is usually individually numbered (e.g., 1/100) and often signed by the artist, increasing its collectible value and uniqueness.
A relief printmaking technique, similar to woodcut, but using a sheet of linoleum as the matrix. The artist carves a design into the linoleum surface, inks the raised areas, and transfers the image onto paper.
A planographic printing process that makes use of the immiscibility of grease and water. The image is drawn with a greasy substance onto a specially prepared flat limestone or metal plate.
A pen with a tip made of felt or other porous material, typically containing alcohol-based (permanent) or water-based ink. Available in various thicknesses, tip shapes, and colors.
A type of paper or print surface finish that diffuses light and has no gloss. Reduces reflections, gives the print a subdued, elegant look, ideal for display in brightly lit areas and for graphics and illustrations.
The process of giving a surface (e.g., paper, laminate, glass) a non-glossy finish that diffuses light and reduces reflections. Used for an elegant appearance and better readability.
A style in art and design, originating in the post–World War II era, characterized by extreme simplicity of form, reduction of expressive means, and elimination of non-essential features. Often uses basic geometric shapes, a limited color palette, and clean surfaces.
An artistic approach involving the use of two or more different mediums, materials, or techniques within a single artwork (e.g., acrylic with collage, watercolor with ink). Allows for achieving complex visual, textural, and conceptual effects.
The process of adjusting a monitor's display settings (brightness, contrast, white point, gamma) using a special device (calibrator) and software to ensure it displays colors accurately according to established standards (e.g., sRGB, Adobe RGB). Essential for precise color work.
A professional frame, often with a simple profile, made from archival (acid-free) materials and designed to provide optimal protection and presentation for artwork, frequently incorporating a spacer between the work and the glass.
The highest quality glazing (glass or acrylic) used in framing, combining anti-reflective properties (minimal reflection) with a high degree of protection against harmful UV radiation (typically 90-99%). Provides the best preservation and viewing experience for artwork.
Paint made with pigments suspended in a drying oil, such as linseed oil. Known for being slow-drying, allowing for smooth blending (sfumato) and building up layers (glazing). Characterized by deep, rich colors and durability.
A reproduction of an artwork or graphic printed without a predetermined limit on the number of copies. Open edition posters are generally more affordable and can be produced repeatedly as needed.
A piece of cardboard or paperboard with a cutout window, placed between a print/artwork and the main frame. It serves to aesthetically enhance the work, create space between the art and the glazing, and protect the edges. Usually made from acid-free board.
A finely ground, insoluble coloring substance used in the manufacture of paints, inks, and other coloring materials. The quality, type, and permanence of pigments determine the intensity, purity of color, and the artwork's resistance to fading (lightfastness).
A type of printing ink where the colorant consists of fine, insoluble pigment particles suspended in a liquid carrier. It provides significantly greater color longevity and resistance to fading (lightfastness) and water compared to dye-based inks. Used in Giclée and Fine Art printing.
A painting technique developed within Neo-Impressionism (e.g., by Seurat), in which small, distinct dots of pure color are applied in patterns to form an image. When viewed from a distance, the dots optically blend in the viewer's eye to create the intended colors and an effect of luminosity and vibration.
An art movement that emerged in the mid-1950s in Britain and the late 1950s in the United States, drawing inspiration from popular and commercial culture. It utilizes imagery from advertising, comic books, everyday consumer products, and celebrity culture, often employing bright colors and techniques of mass production (like screen printing).
A predominantly French art movement that developed roughly between 1886 and 1905, emerging as a reaction against Impressionism's concern for the naturalistic depiction of light and color. Post-Impressionists emphasized structure, form, expression, and the artist's subjective vision. Key figures include Van Gogh, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Seurat.
A single-sided print, usually in a larger format, combining graphic and/or textual elements. Used for informational, advertising, propaganda, or, most commonly in a store context, decorative purposes. Art posters reproduce works of art or are standalone graphic designs.
A measure of the resolution of a digital image, indicating the number of pixels contained within one inch of the image. It's a crucial parameter when preparing digital files for printing – a value of 300 PPI is generally recommended for high-quality prints.
An image produced by transferring ink from a prepared matrix (e.g., woodblock, linoleum block, lithographic stone, screen) onto paper or another surface using a printmaking technique. In traditional printmaking, prints from a limited edition are usually numbered and signed by the artist.
An art movement aiming for the truthful, objective representation of reality, without idealization or stylization. It focuses on accurately depicting the appearance of people, objects, and scenes from everyday life.
A copy of an original work of art (e.g., painting, print) typically made using printing techniques (e.g., offset, digital printing, giclée). It can be produced in a limited, numbered edition or as an open edition. Its goal is to faithfully replicate the original.
The process of digitally or manually modifying an image (photograph, graphic) to improve its aesthetic or technical quality, remove imperfections (e.g., spots, scratches, wrinkles), correct colors, tones, contrast, and sometimes alter content (photomontage).
An additive color model used in devices that emit light (monitors, projectors, scanners, digital cameras), based on mixing light in three primary colors: Red, Green, and Blue. Combining all three at full intensity produces white. The RGB color space (gamut) is typically wider (includes more colors) than CMYK, which is why colors seen on screen may differ slightly from those achieved in print.
An 18th-century European artistic style and movement, representing a late phase of the Baroque. Characterized by lightness, elegance, elaborate ornamentation, intimacy, asymmetry, and refined forms. Utilizes light pastel colors, ornamental motifs (rocaille), courtly and pastoral scenes.
An artistic, literary, musical, and intellectual movement originating in Europe toward the end of the 18th century. It emphasized emotion, individualism, imagination, and the power of nature. Often characterized by dramatic scenes, picturesque landscapes, and an interest in history, folklore, and the exotic.
A paper finish with a soft, subtle sheen (also referred to as satin, pearl, or lustre), offering a compromise between matte and full gloss. Provides good color saturation and black depth with reduced reflections. Versatile for many applications.
A stencil printing technique where ink is forced through a mesh screen onto a substrate. Areas impermeable to the ink are blocked out on the screen. Allows for creating bold, flat areas of color on various surfaces. Each color typically requires a separate screen and pass.
A broad term encompassing various forms of art created in public spaces, often outside the official art world circuit. Includes graffiti, murals, stencils, stickers (slaps), posters, installations, and artistic interventions. It can be decorative, social, political, or purely aesthetic.
A wooden frame onto which a painting canvas is stretched. It provides structural support and maintains proper tension for the canvas.
A 20th-century avant-garde movement in art and literature that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, often by the irrational juxtaposition of images drawn from dreams and subconscious states. It combines realistically rendered elements in unexpected, illogical ways, creating dreamlike and startling scenes.
A late 19th-century art and literary movement that used symbols, allegory, and suggestion to express hidden ideas, spiritual states, and emotions, often of a mystical, dreamlike, or decadent nature.
The perceived surface quality of a work of art or print, its structure, and tactile feel. It can be smooth, rough, grainy, matte, glossy, or have a distinct relief.
A genre of Japanese art (woodblock prints and paintings) that flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries, literally meaning "pictures of the floating world". It depicts subjects from everyday life of the merchant class, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, beautiful women (bijin-ga), landscapes, and historical scenes.
Applying a layer of varnish (a transparent resin dissolved in a solvent) over a finished painting (mainly oil or acrylic) or print. It protects the surface from dust, moisture, and damage, evens out the sheen, and can enhance colors. Varnish can be glossy, satin, or matte.
A ceremonial, public opening of an art exhibition, usually held in the evening before the exhibition officially opens to visitors. It provides an opportunity to meet the artist(s), curator, critics, and other guests.
A painting technique using water-soluble pigments, typically applied in transparent washes. Allows for delicate, layered color effects.
A special type of thick paper (usually 180-600 gsm) designed for watercolor painting and other wet media. Characterized by appropriate absorbency and resistance to water damage (buckling). Available in various textures (smooth/hot press, medium/cold press, rough).
A relief printing technique in which an image is carved into the surface of a block of wood, with the printing parts remaining level with the surface while the non-printing parts are removed. One of the oldest printmaking techniques, producing a characteristic bold effect.