A Sictionary of Art Terms And Phrases

Every field of specialized thought has its own jargon, and the art of painting is no exception. People who take up painting are naturally eager to get as much knowledge as they can on the subject, but often find themselves baffled by the obscurity of the language they encounter in art books, articles, and reviews. Even the household dictionary seems to be of little help in unraveling the meaning of many of these expressions. With the rapid expansion of popular interest in painting in recent years, however, there is growing an ever greater need for clarification of such unfamiliar terms as are apt to be found in the average book or periodical dealing with the subject of art. I have, therefore, undertaken to compile here, not only those expressions relating to the practical experience of painting itself, but many that are in the domain of general art criticism as well. Thus, you should find it convenient to refer to this in all of your reading on the subject of art.