Art Terms and Definitions — U

art definitions terminology

ULTRAMARINE     |     URBAN REALISM

Quick links to more art terms and definitions are located at the end of the list.

Ultramarine Blue

art definitions terminology

A deep blue to purple-blue pigment initially made from ground lapis lazuli. The name comes from the Latin ultramarinus, which translates “beyond the sea.” During the 14th and 15th centuries, ultramarine was the finest and most expensive blue used by Renaissance painters.

Umber

A natural pigment of brown or reddish-brown color used in painting. In its natural form, it is called raw umber, but when it is heated, the color becomes more intense and is called burnt umber. Umber is not one precise color but a range of different earth colors. The name comes from the Italian terra d’ombra (or “earth of Umbria”), named after a mountainous region in central Italy where the pigment was originally extracted.

Underdrawing

A term denoting a preliminary sketch or drawing executed on a painting surface before the application of paint. It serves as a guide for the artist, helping establish the composition, proportions, and overall structure of the piece.

Underground Art

A term used to describe a subculture of art that operates outside conventional norms in the art world, like graffiti, street art, or visionary art. Any form of art that mainly occurs on public property.

Underpainting

Refers to the initial layer of paint applied to a canvas or surface before adding subsequent layers. It serves as a foundation for the final painting, establishing the overall composition, tonal values, and color scheme.

Undertone

A subdued or muted tone of color, specifically a color seen through and modifying another color.

Unity

The hallmark of a successful design, where all elements work harmoniously to create a satisfying sense of belonging and relationship, ensuring that all aspects complement each other rather than competing for attention.

Uppercase

The uppercase or capital letters in a typeface. In the history of typography, the term ‘uppercase’ typically refers to capital letters, deriving its name from the traditional location where typesetters would store these letters.

Urban Landscape

A premise of urban planning arguing that the best way to organize cities is through the design of the city’s landscape rather than the design of its buildings. Also referred to as landscape urbanism.

Urban Realism

See “Social Realism.”

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This art definitions and terminology 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 idiolect online. Simply click or tap the thumbnail link of any Teresa Bernard oil painting to view additional details.

shade tree painting
Under The Shade Tree
(2023)
12″ w x 9″ h
stairsteps landscape paintings
Up the Steps
(2021)
9″ w x 12″ h
wildlife paintings
Snail #3: Out on a Limb (2021)
6″ w x 6″ h

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Contributing to The Art Dictionary

The art definitions and terminology 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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