Art Terms and Definitions — Q

art reference words list

An art reference words list. Art-related terms beginning with the letter “Q” frequently used in art circles. The list below starts with QAJAR ART and finishes with QUILTING.

Quick links to more lists of art reference words are located at the end of the list.

Qajar Art

The Qajar artistic style refers to the art, architecture, and art forms of the late Persian Empire, most notably the Qajar dynasty, which lasted from 1781 to 1925. It is characterized by an exuberant style and flamboyant use of color.

Quadratura

A term that emerged during the Baroque period to describe a painting on a ceiling or a wall to create the illusion of limitless space, i.e., architectural features that seem to extend beyond the actual reach of the room.

Quadrilateral

In geometry, a four-sided polygon with four angles and sides of arbitrary length. The five most common types of quadrilaterals are parallelogram, rectangle, rhombus, trapezium, and trapezoid. Quadrilateral structures and forms are common in daily life and are evident in both architecture and art.

Quadriptych

(Pronounced qua-drip-tick). An artwork, usually a painting, that is divided into four sections or panels, where each panel depicts a different but related composition. Each panel can stand alone as an independent work of art, or displayed together to form a larger, more cohesive image or composition. Also see, “tetraptych.”

Quatrefoil

A carved ornament or design consisting of four lobes separated by cusps, radiating from a common center. It is often used in architectural tracery and resembles a flower with four petals or a leaf with four leaflets.

Quill

A pen is made from a flight feather (preferably a primary) of a large bird, often a goose. Quills were used as instruments for writing with ink before the metal dip pen, the fountain pen, and eventually the ballpoint pen came into use.

Quilling

art reference words list

A form of art that involves the use of paper strips that are rolled, curled, looped, shaped, twisted, and glued together to create decorative designs (a.k.a. paper filigree).

Quilting

The process of making a quilt from beginning to end. Or the actual act of sewing the layers of a quilt together, either by hand or by machine. Also refers to the finished lines of sewn thread that make up the quilting design.

You May Also Like

This glossary of art terms is provided as a valuable resource for art enthusiasts. If you like the information here and find it helpful, please consider purchasing a painting. Your support helps to cover the cost of keeping this art reference words list online. Simply click or tap the thumbnail link of any Teresa Bernard oil painting to view additional details.

moon art
Fly Me To The Moon
(2020)
9″ w x 12″ h
still life artwork
Great-Grandma’s Sewing Thread #1 (2021) 6″ w x 6″ h
rowboat wall art
Rowboat at The Pier
(2022)
12″ w x 12″ h

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Contributing to The Art Dictionary

The art reference words list is a work in progress. New terms and definitions are added on a regular basis. If you know of an art term and definition that isn’t already listed in it, but you believe it should be, send it to us and we’ll consider adding it. We’ll let you know if we do. Thanks!

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