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About These Vocabulary Terms


This glossary of key art terms is curated by grade level to support age-appropriate art learning, based on Washington State learning standards. These terms are designed to help students build their artistic language as they grow, and can be seamlessly incorporated into classroom art discussions, lesson introductions, or project reflections.

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Feel free to use vocabulary from earlier grade levels with older students, as many foundational terms remain relevant and reinforce understanding. However, terms from upper grades may require more context before introducing them to younger learners.

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These definitions are also a helpful resource for volunteers who may not have a background in art but want to confidently guide students in their creative process.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten

  • Line – a mark with length and direction

  • Shape – a flat, enclosed space, like a triangle, square, or circle

  • Color – what we see when light hits an object

  • Texture – how something feels or looks like it feels

  • Pattern – something repeated again and again

  • Collage – artwork made by gluing different materials together

  • Primary colors – red, yellow, blue

  • Form – a shape that looks 3D

  • Abstract – art that doesn’t look exactly like real life

  • Portrait – a picture of a person

Grades 1st-2nd

  • Balance – how parts of an artwork feel even or equal

  • Symmetry – the same on both sides

  • Warm colors – colors like red, orange, and yellow

  • Cool colors – colors like blue, green, and purple

  • Value – how light or dark a color is

  • Overlapping – when one object covers another

  • Space – the area around or between things

  • Media – materials used to make art

  • Still life – art showing bowls, fruit, etc.

  • Mood – the feeling or emotion in art

Grades 1st-2nd

Grades 3rd-4th

  • Contrast – big differences in color or shape

  • Unity – when everything works together

  • Emphasis – what stands out

  • Composition – how artwork is arranged

  • Foreground / Background – what's close or far

  • Symbolism – one thing representing another

  • Perspective – showing depth or distance in art 

  • Folk art – traditional cultural art

  • Narrative art – art that tells a story

  • Critique – thinking or talking about art

Grades 3rd-4th

5th Grade

  • Monochromatic – different shades of one color

  • Mixed media – using multiple materials

  • Gesture drawing – fast drawings to show movement

  • Installation art – large space-based artworks

  • Negative space – space around objects, such as the background around a vase in a painting

  • Proportion – size relationship

  • Harmony – when elements feel pleasing

  • Technique – how tools or materials are used, e.g., using short, quick brushstrokes to show movement in a painting

  • Interpretation – explaining meaning

  • Artistic intent – what the artist was trying to express

5th Grade
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