We are happy to provide short definitions and descriptions for several decorative art terms. Just click on the term to view a short description or definition.
A style of decorative art developed originally in the 1920's with a revival in the 1960's, marked chiefly by geometric motifs, curvilinear forms, sharply defined outlines, often bold colors, and the use of synthetic materials, as plastics.
A finish in which cracking is intentionally produced, allowing the undercoat to show through the cracks. A rapid drying of topcoat over slow drying undercoat produces this interesting technique.
Faux is a French word meaning "fake or false". Technically, wood-graining, marbleizing, or other painted finishes that are replicating a natural material are faux finishes. However, this term has become an umbrella name to describe all painted decorative finishes.
This comes from the French word meaning “to rub”. The decorative paint term denotes a technique of applying a wet glaze, then rubbing it with fabric, paper or other materials, to create a texture.
Any clear medium tinted with a variety of coloring agents. Most often used to create translucent finishes in which the glaze color allows a base color to show through.
A plaster combination that includes lime, marble dust, pigment and other elements, to produce a polished stone-like finish. Also known as Venetian Plaster, or Stucco Venziano.
A layer that forms on a material after periods of exposure to the elements. Also: A thin greenish layer that forms on copper or copper alloys, such as bronze. It gives a surface appearance of something grown beautiful with age or use.
French expression, meaning "trick the eye". A painting in which the illusion of three dimensions is created on a two dimensional surface, by emphasizing highlights and shadows, often by adding an architectural element that looks built–in, instead of painted on. In art, trompe l'oeil is defined as a 'still life deception', a painting able to make the viewer believe that an object actually exists in 3D space, in relief.
See “Marmarino”. Lime plaster applied in several coats that can be polished to a high gloss, or left more textured and mat. Often imitated with an acrylic formula.