Macramé | Mural
A dictionary of art terms and definitions that begin with the letter M.
- Macramé
An old craft form of textile-making using knotting rather than weaving or knitting. Its primary knots are the square knot and forms of hitching (full hitch and double half hitches). Sailors use it, especially in elaborate or ornamental knotting forms, to decorate anything from knife handles to bottles to parts of ships (see illustration).- Magenta
One of the four process colors, or CMYK, the M is for magenta. A color also known as fuchsia or hot pink; a moderate to vivid purplish-red or pink.- Mannerism
- An artistic movement developed in the sixteenth century as a reaction to the classical rationality and balanced harmony of the High Renaissance; characterized by the dramatic use of space and light, exaggerated color, elongation of figures, and distortions of perspective, scale, and proportion. El Greco was a prominent practitioner of this style.
- Marbling
- The art or process of producing specific patterns of a veined or mottled appearance to imitate the look of marble.
- Maritime Art
- Any art that gets its inspiration from the sea. It is a genre of art that often depicts ships and life out on the open sea. Also referred to as marine art. Click for more information about maritime art or nautical art.
- Masterpiece
- A work done with extraordinary skill, especially a work of art, craft, or intellect, an exceptionally outstanding achievement.
- Medium
- Material or technique an artist works in, oil paint and watercolor are examples; also, the component of paint in which the pigment is dispersed.
- Mineral Spirits
- An inexpensive paint thinner that cleans brushes, thins paint, cleans furniture, and removes wax often used as a substitute for turpentine.
- Miniature
- A representational work of art made on a significantly reduced scale.
- Minimal Design
- Omitting all non-essential or unimportant elements and details which don’t contribute to the essence of the overall composition to emphasize what is important.
- Minimalism
- A movement and style of art from the 20th century that attempts to reduce art to basic geometric shapes with the fewest colors, lines, and textures. Minimal art does not seek to be representative of any object. Also known as ABC art.
- Mixed Media
- The art technique where an artist employs different physical materials such as ink and pastel, painting and collage, etc., and combines them in a single work.
- Model
- A person who poses for an artist.
- Monochromatic
- Having on only one color. A color scheme limited to variations of one hue, a hue with its tints and shades.
- Monochrome
- A painting done in different shades of a single color.
- Montage
An artwork comprised of seemingly unrelated shots or scenes that combine various existing images, such as photographs or prints, and are arranged so that they join, overlap, or blend to create a new image that achieves meaning. See the illustration.- Mosaic
- An art medium in which small pieces of colored glass, stone, or ceramic tile called tessera are embedded in a background material such as plaster or mortar. Also, works made using this technique.
- Motif
- An important and noticeable element or feature that is repeated throughout the composition or design.
- Movement
- As it applies to art, the path that our eyes follow when we look at a work of art. One of the Good Design Principles. See more info.
- Multimedia Art
- An artwork that uses a combination of electronic media, which could include video, film, audio, and computers.
- Multimedia Artist
- An artist who uses technology to create designs and special effects for electronic media.
- Mural
A large painting that has been painted on walls or ceilings, often executed in fresco. See illustration.
Art Glossary Links
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!
Thanks for reading this!
Feel free to share this with your friends.
UPDATED: 13 March 2023