NAÏVE ART | NUMBERED PRINTS
Quick links to more art terms and definitions are located at the end of the list.
Naïve Art
A style of art characterized by its childlike simplicity, which includes minute detail, vibrant colors, disproportionate figures, and a lack of perspective. It depicts basic, easy-to-understand situations of everyday life that are frequently romanticized. The lack of perspective frequently gives the impression that figures within naïve paintings are weightless or floating. Naïve artists are frequently self-taught and have very little or no formal training in art.
Naples Yellow
The oldest synthetic yellow hue of a muted reddish yellow to a bright light-yellow pigment. Known to have been created by the Ancient Egyptians. Often used in paintings during the 1700s through the 1850s.
Narrative Art
A type of visual art that tells a story or represents elements of a story. An example of this genre would be Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” or illustrations often found in children’s books.
National Art Education Association (NAEA)
A non-profit professional organization founded in 1947 in the United States and is based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is the world’s largest professional art education association. The NAEA uses visual arts, design, and media arts to educate and enrich the lives of all learners and communities, as well as to serve as a catalyst for future generations to be creative and culturally competent. Visit their website for more information about the NAEA.
Negative Space
Refers to the empty or open area surrounding an object in a piece of art. It serves to define the object, provides it with space to stand out, ensuring the artwork doesn’t appear overly crowded, and greatly influences the viewer’s perception of the piece.
In the example, it’s the “empty space” (the area in black) or unoccupied areas that lies between objects, shapes, and forms within a composition and is also the space in the background that is not at first noticeable. It goes in all directions and goes on forever. It flows in, around, and between shapes and objects.
Neon Art
A new art medium that uses neon lights to create visually stunning artworks that often incorporate motion and interactivity. Neon art serves to amplify the impact of art installations, setting itself apart from neon signage by focusing on atmospheric illumination and making bold statements, rather than serving advertising or directional purposes.
Neutral Color
Colors of very low saturation, approaching grays. Neutral colors do not appear on the color chart and are neither warm nor cool. These colors are termed ‘neutral’ because they are devoid of color, created by blending equal amounts of complementary colors, which produces muted grays. Black and white fall into the neutral category as well, since they are not warm or cool and remain unchanged in hue.
New Media Art
A genre of art that encompasses artworks created with new media technologies, including digital art, computer graphics, computer animation, virtual art, Internet art, interactive art, video games, computer robotics, 3D printing, and art as biotechnology.
NFTs (non-fungible tokens)
Represent a significant advancement in digital art. They are unique digital identifiers recorded on a blockchain and cannot be copied, reproduced, substituted, or subdivided. NFTs serve to verify the ownership and authenticity of singular items such as art, music, or films.
Non-objective Art
(Also known as: abstract art, non-figurative art, non-representational art)
An abstract or non-representational style of art that does not portray scenes or objects as they appear in the real world. Instead, the artist focuses on creating a visual expression through the formal elements of texture, value, color, shape, and line. Non-objective art, often known as geometric abstraction, is defined by its use of geometric forms. Many people find this art form challenging to comprehend or enjoy because they tend to gravitate towards imagery with tangible elements.
Non-Western Art
See “Tribal Art.”
Norse Art
See “Viking Art.”
Nude
A work of art (most often a painting or sculpture) depicting an individual without clothing or very little clothing.
Numbered Prints
A term used in printmaking to indicate the number of editions struck from one plate. Typically, this number is written as a fraction over the total edition size. For instance, “24/100” signifies the print’s unique number and the overall number of editions. Contemporary artists often limit their editions, signing and numbering them in pencil.
You May Also Like
This art terms sourcebook 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 vocabulary words list lexicon online. Simply click or tap the thumbnail link of any Teresa Bernard oil painting to view additional details.
11″ w x 14″ h
6″ w x 8″ h
Art Glossary Quick Links
Contributing to The Art Dictionary
The art terms sourcebook 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!