Glossary
Fauvism
An artistic style that emerged briefly in France during the early 20th century, where bold colours, unrelated to the natural forms they described were arbitrarily used. The most major practicioner was Henri Matisse.
Fibergalss
A composite polymer made from extremely fine fibers of glass that is cast and moulded to create sculptures.
Figurative Art
Art that is inspired by the natural or visible world and uses tangible forms and objects to convey the artist's message. The human form or figure is the most common subject.
Fine Art
Art that is created on aesthetic rather than decorative grounds, to be understood and responded to on its own, without relation to anything else.
Firing
The process of baking pottery or clay sculpture in a kiln or open fire to dry and mature the clay.
Fixative
A solution genally composed of shellac and alcohol, sprayed onto finished artworks to prevent the medium from smudging or detaching from the support.
Folk Art
Art created by untrained artists in the common tradition of their community, often reflecting their way of life.
Foreshortening
A technique used to portray three-dimensional forms on two-dimensional surface such that they appear project or recede from the surface and have volume.
Forging
The process of shaping metal with various tools while it is hot.
Foxing
The occurrence of brown spots and the general browning of aged paper. The name derives from the fox-like colour of the spots, which look like rust stains.
Fresco
An artistic technique that uses pigments loosely dispersed in water that are applied to a damp plaster wall. The plaster acts as both binder and support.
Futurism
A shortlived artistsic movement founded in Italy in the early 20th century. It emphasized the dynamism of modern life.