Glossary | MakeArt

A practical glossary built for artists

Art language shouldn’t feel like gatekeeping — the glossary helps you understand terms quickly and keep moving.

This tool lets you search for any term and get a plain-English explanation, with details that actually help you apply it.

Each entry can also point you to workshops or tools that make the concept click faster — so it’s not just “what it means”, it’s how to learn it.

Artists use the glossary to:

Decode unfamiliar terms — no guessing, no falling down random internet rabbit holes
Understand the “why” — learn what the term changes in your painting or drawing
Fix problems faster — look up terms you keep hearing (values, edges, glazing, composition)
Learn in context — jump from the definition to workshops or tools that reinforce it

You’ll typically see: a definition, key points, common mistakes, and related terms that people usually confuse.

If you’re stuck mid-painting, this is the fastest way to get unstuck — look up the word, understand it, and act.

Why artists use this

Get clear, practical definitions (not academic waffle)

See the important details: what it is, why it matters, how to use it

Jump to related workshops to learn the term properly

Discover tools that help you practise the concept immediately

Definition + next steps

Knowing the word isn’t the goal. Understanding it well enough to use it is.

See the term explained
Plain language, with the core idea highlighted

Get examples + common mistakes
Learn what it looks like when it’s working vs. not

Related workshops
Go deeper with guided instruction when you’re ready

Helpful tools
Use MakeArt tools that reinforce the concept in minutes

You stop thinking:

“Everyone says this word — I don’t get it.”

And start thinking:

“Now I know what it means — and what to do next.”

Open Glossary