Halftone | Hue
A dictionary of art terms and definitions that begin with the letter H.
- Halftone
- The reproduction of a continuous-tone original, such as a photograph, in which detail and tone value are represented by a series of evenly spaced dots of varying size and shape.
- Hard-Edge Painting
- Refers to a twentieth-century movement in painting in which the edges of shapes are crisp and precise rather than soft or blurred. This technique consists of rough, straight edges that are geometrically uniform and encompasses rich solid colors, neatness of surface, and the arrangement of forms all over the canvas.
- Harmonious Colors
Colors that go well together and sit next to each other on the color wheel. For example: red and orange, orange and yellow, yellow and green, green and blue, blue and purple, purple and red. Complementary colors, analogous colors, and other related colors are also considered to be harmonious. For more information on color harmony, see Color, Part 1, and Color, Part 2.- Harmony
- The unity of all the visual elements of a composition achieved by the repetition of the same characteristics or those which are similar. Harmony serves to bind the various parts into a whole.
- Hatching
- A technique used in art to create tonal or shading effects by drawing or painting closely spaced parallel lines. When lines are crossed or placed at an angle to one another, the method is called cross-hatching. Artists use this modeling technique, indicating tone and suggesting light and shade, by varying the length, angle, closeness, and other qualities of the lines, most commonly used in drawing, linear painting, engraving, and ethnic art.
- Heptaptych
- An artwork, usually a painting, divided into seven painted or carved panels where each panel depicts a different but related scene. The panels can be hinged together or presented side-by-side. Also called “septych” in Latin.
- Hexaptych
- A work of art consisting of six panels or sections where each panel depicts a different but related scene. The panels can be hinged together or presented side-by-side to make one large image.
- Highlight
- An area of intense brightness that reflects the most light. A technique used in art to direct attention or to emphasize through the use of pigment or color.
- Horizon Line
- In a painting, a level line where land or water ends and the sky begins. Vanishing points, where two parallel lines appear to converge, are typically located on this line. A horizon line is used to attain the perspective of depth. Click for information about horizontal lines.
- Horizontal Balance
- The components that are balanced left and right of a central axis.
- Hue
- The name of the color, such as red, green, or yellow. Hue can be measured as a location on a color wheel and expressed in degrees, the main attribute of a color that distinguishes it from other colors.
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Contributing to The Art Dictionary
This art dictionary 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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UPDATED: 13 March 2023