Glossary

fugitive colors

Short-lived pigments and dyes-- capable of fading or changing, especially with exposure to light, to atmospheric pollution, or when mixed with certain substances; in each case the result of a chemical change. Examples are the colors in magazine photographs and inexpensive construction papers, especially the yellows, and then reds. While student works are generally forgiven the use of such inexpensive poor-quality pigments, professional artists' works are expected to be made with permanent colors. Tubes and other containers of paint are sometimes labeled with a code indicating a color's degree of permanence.

narrative painting

A painting or sculpture whose composition, colors, and subject are selected to tell a story.

Example: Trajan's Column, Rome, Italy, 113

nave

The part of a church between the entrance and the choir. It is usually in the western end of the building. Generally it is where seats are placed for worshippers.

Example: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France, begun 1163

non figurative

An aspect of modern art in which pieces of art contain no recognizable figures or objects, as opposed to figurative art.

Example: Sam Francis' Around the Blues, 1957/1962

non-photo

A very pale blue that is invisible to a camera or photocopier. A non-photo pen or pencil may be used to make notes on an original: paper may be printed with a non-photo blue grid to allow for easy line-up. In either case, as copiers become more sensitive, you should advise your customer to test these products first.

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Decomposition Book

by Michael Roger

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