Z-PATTERN LAYOUT | ZOOMORPHIC
Quick links to more art terms and definitions are located at the end of the list.
Z-Pattern Layout
The path the human eyes travel when they read—left to right, top to bottom. First, the eyes scan from the top left to the top right, then down and to the left side, and last, back across to the right again. When the viewers’ eyes move in this pattern, it forms an imaginary “Z” shape.
Zackenstil
A German word from the 13th century that means “jagged style.” Zackenstil is a zig-zag pattern style used in sculpture, painting, stained glass, and manuscript illumination. This style often appeared in Gothic art, particularly during the Early Gothic period.
Zenga
Refers to the art and calligraphy created by Japanese Zen monks. It emerged during the Edo period (1615–1868) and continues to resonate through the modern era. Zenga is typically executed in ink, emphasizing simplicity and immediacy. The brushwork is bold, spontaneous, and unpretentious. Often, both calligraphy and image will be in the same piece of art.
Zenithal Lighting
A technique in painting and photography where light appears to come from directly above, highlighting the highest points on a subject.
Zentangle
A self-help, meditative art therapy practice involving the creation of structured doodle designs through drawing various repetitive patterns. This art form is intended to enhance relaxation, inner focus, and build self-confidence. Zentangle encourages creativity within structured boundaries.
Zero Group
An avant-garde art movement founded in the late 1950s in Germany. Its members sought to break away from traditional artistic conventions and explore new materials, light, and spatial concepts. Zero artists experimented with monochromatic surfaces, kinetic art, and immersive installations, aiming to create a sense of purity and emptiness.
Zero-Point Perspective
(Also referred to as “atmospheric perspective” or “aerial perspective.”)
A technique that creates the illusion of depth without parallel lines in an image, allowing for a sense of depth without vanishing points. This technique is commonly used in natural settings like mountain ranges or landscapes.
Zigzag
A pattern or line that moves back and forth in sharp, alternating directions that mimic the shape of the letter ‘Z’. It’s often used in art and design to create dynamic, eye-catching visuals and can evoke a sense of movement or energy.
Zinc White
A cool, semi-transparent white pigment composed of zinc oxide. It has been used in artist paints since the 18th century. Zinc White offers a very clean, cool white compared to other white pigments.
Zincography
A printing technique that involves using zinc plates as the printing surface. It falls under the broader category of lithography, which relies on the principle that oil and water do not mix. While digital printing technologies have largely replaced zincography for commercial purposes, it still thrives in artistic and small-scale projects.
Zinnober Green
Another name for chrome green. It’s a pigment that has been used historically, although it’s not commonly found in contemporary artists’ paints. Zinnober Green typically results from a mixture of chrome yellow (lead chromate) and Prussian blue. This combination creates a vibrant green hue. During the 19th century, Zinnober Green found its place primarily in house paints and industrial products. Its use in fine art was less common due to concerns about its stability and toxicity.
Zoomorphic
(From the Greek words: “zôion” (meaning “animal”) and “-morphic” (an adjective combining form indicating “having (such) a form”).
Refers to having the form of an animal or being related to a deity conceived of in animal form or with animal attributes. Artists often incorporate zoomorphic elements into their work, whether through sculptures, paintings, or decorative motifs. Zoomorphic designs can be found in pottery, jewelry, and architectural ornamentation.
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(2021)
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