Terminologies in 2 Dimensional Art – SS1 Visual Arts Lesson Note (Second Term)

2-dimensional art, also called 2D art, is artwork that has only height and width, so its surface is flat.

• Contrast with 3D art: 3-dimensional art, such as sculpture, also has depth.
• Common forms: drawing, painting, printmaking and collage.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what 2-dimensional art is;
2. define the eight key terminologies in 2D art: line, shape, form, colour, texture, value, perspective and composition;
3. give examples of primary, secondary and tertiary colours;
4. state the difference between shape and form;
5. name and describe four forms of 2D art.

What are the key terminologies in 2-dimensional art?

There are eight key terminologies in 2D art: line, shape, form, colour, texture, value, perspective and composition.

1. Line

• Meaning: a mark made by a tool such as a pencil or pen on a surface.
• Appearance: it can be straight, curved, thick or thin.
• Use: lines create shapes and patterns.
• Effect: lines can show movement and emotion.

2. Shape

• Meaning: a closed space created by lines.
• Geometric shapes: regular shapes such as squares, triangles and circles.
• Organic shapes: natural, irregular shapes such as a leaf or a cloud.

3. Form

• Meaning: the look of depth or thickness in an object.
• Common use: it is more common in 3D art.
• In 2D art: shading or perspective gives the illusion of depth or thickness.

4. Colour

• Meaning: the hues we see in art.
• Use: artists use colour to express feelings or highlight parts of their art.

5. Texture

• Meaning: how something feels, or looks as if it would feel if touched.
• In 2D art: texture is implied. It gives the illusion of texture while the surface stays smooth.
• How it is made: artists use different techniques to make a surface look rough, smooth or bumpy.

6. Value

• Meaning: the lightness or darkness of a colour.
• Use: different values create depth and dimension.
• Effect: objects can look closer or farther away.

7. Perspective

• Meaning: a technique for representing 3D objects on a 2D surface.
• Effect: it creates the illusion of depth.
• Rule: objects that are closer appear larger, and objects farther away appear smaller.

8. Composition

• Meaning: how lines, shapes, colours and textures are arranged in an artwork.
• Effect: a good composition guides the viewer’s eye through the artwork.
• Result: it creates balance.

What are the kinds of line in 2D art?

Lines are named by their direction and shape.

• Horizontal line: runs flat from left to right, like the horizon.
• Vertical line: runs straight up and down, like a tall pole.
• Diagonal line: slants, and often suggests movement.
• Curved line: bends smoothly, as in the outline of a pot.
• Zigzag line: changes direction sharply, as in some Nigerian cloth patterns.

What are the types of colour?

There are three types of colour: primary, secondary and tertiary.

• Green: blue mixed with yellow.
• Orange: red mixed with yellow.
• Purple: red mixed with blue.

What is the difference between shape and form?

A shape is a flat, closed space made by lines. A form is an object that looks as if it has depth as well as height and width.

How do artists create depth on a flat surface?

Artists create depth by using value, shading and perspective.

1. Draw objects that are closer larger, and objects farther away smaller.
2. Use shading to make shapes look rounded and thick.
3. Use lighter values for distant objects and darker values for near ones.

What are examples of 2D art forms?

Four common forms of 2D art are drawing, painting, printmaking and collage.

• Drawing: sketches or detailed pictures made with pencils, pens or crayons on paper.
• Painting: using watercolours, oil paints or acrylics to create colourful pictures on surfaces like paper or canvas.
• Printmaking: creating pictures by printing from a surface such as a woodblock or a metal plate.
• Collage: artwork made by sticking materials like paper, fabric or photographs onto a surface.

Evaluation

1. What is 2-dimensional art?
2. Name four forms of 2D art.
3. What does value mean in art?
4. What is composition?
5. List three things a line can be used to show or create.

Assignment

Write short answers to all four questions below.

1. What is the difference between shape and form?
2. Explain what texture means in 2D art.
3. Give examples of primary and secondary colours.
4. Why is perspective important in drawing?