Glossary
Fine Artist Terms & Vocabulary
15 essential fine artist terms with plain-English definitions: the vocabulary you’ll hear in training and on day one.
Key fine artist vocabulary
These 15 terms come up constantly in fine artist training, on the job and in interviews. Knowing them helps you follow instructions, document accurately and sound prepared.
- Artist statement
- Description of your work.
- Color theory
- How colors interact.
- Commission
- Paid custom work.
- Composition
- Arrangement of elements.
- CV
- Artist resume.
- Edition
- Set of prints.
- Gallery
- Space that shows and sells art.
- Giclée
- Fine art print.
- Medium
- Material used.
- Portfolio
- Collection of best work.
- Public art
- Art in public spaces.
- Representation
- Gallery partnership.
- Residency
- Funded time to create.
- RFQ
- Request for qualifications.
- Studio visit
- Viewing work in your studio.
Practice these terms
Test yourself with the free Fine Artist practice test: it includes vocabulary questions built from this list. For a complete course, see Fine Artist training.
Browse terms from every career in our career glossary.