Term
Glossary
Every term in alphabetical order, each with a plain-language definition.
Terms: 25
A
C
- ContrappostoContrapposto is a standing pose in which the weight rests mostly on one leg, so the shoulders and hips tilt in opposite directions. The t...
- ClavicleThe clavicle, or collarbone, is the long bone that runs roughly horizontally from the top of the breastbone to the tip of the shoulder. O...
- Core shadowA core shadow is the darkest band on the shadow side of a form, found just beyond the terminator where the surface turns fully away from ...
- Contour lineA contour line is a line that wraps around a form to show its direction and volume, not only its outer edge. A ring drawn around a limb t...
D
F
G
H
I
L
- Line of actionThe line of action is a single flowing line drawn through the main thrust of a pose to organise the whole figure. It may be a long curve,...
- Latissimus dorsiThe latissimus dorsi is a broad, triangular muscle of the back that sweeps from the lower spine and pelvis up and around the side to the ...
M
O
P
Q
R
- RibcageThe ribcage is the bony chest of twelve rib pairs, the sternum and the thoracic vertebrae, per OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology. It is als...
- Reflected lightReflected light is light bounced from nearby surfaces into the shadow side of a form, keeping that side from looking flat and black. It a...
S
- Sight-sizingSight-sizing is a way of checking proportions by holding a pencil at a fixed arm's length and comparing sizes and angles in the subject. ...
- ScapulaThe scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat triangular bone on the back of the ribcage that carries a prominent ridge called its spine, whi...
T
- TrapeziusThe trapezius is a large diamond-shaped muscle of the upper back and neck that forms the slope from neck to shoulder. According to OpenSt...
- TerminatorThe terminator is the line on a lit form where light stops reaching the surface and shadow begins. On a sphere lit from one side, it runs...