Media

Acrylic Paint

developed in the 1960's, a fast-drying pigment that is water-resistant when dry

Chalk

inorganic material composed of calcium carbonate, and is naturally occurring

Charcoal

made of thin peeled willow twigs that are heated without the presence of oxygen (so they do not burn), this produces black crumbly sticks

Clay

naturally occurring material that can be formed on a potters-wheel or by hand to create two and three dimensional artworks. May also be glazed and fired or painted

Diptych

a painting or drawing composed to two separate panels hung side by each

Gold Foil

application of thin sheets of compressed gold-flake to the surface of artworks. Gold leaf varies in karat, and is secured to the surface using a special adhesive

Graphite

a stable, crystalline form of carbon that is greasy in texture and dull metallic grey in colour. Marks made by graphite can be lifted using an eraser

Ink

Commonly made of carbon and binder, but can also be made of plant or animal sources. Inks are traditionally black or brown - other dyes or pigments may be added

Mixed Media

describes work composed of different media

Metal

refers to two families of metals: ferrous and non ferrous. All ferrous metals contain iron. Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, zinc and copper and its alloys, for example bronze

Oil Paint

is composed of pigment suspended in a drying oil. As the oil cures it creates a tough colored film or painted surface. This media takes a long time to dry or cure, as the oil undergoes an oxidization process

Photography

is an image that is created by the action of light on a light-sensitive material – for example the silver-gelatin process

Porcelain

a type of clay-material that is naturally occurring, is commonly used to create decorative wares. The porcelain is fired in a similar manner to clay works, and is characterized by its creamy white or ivory appearance

Screen Print

refers to a form of stencil printing that uses a screen made from fabric stretched over a frame. Painting glue or lacquer onto the screen blocks the non-printing areas on the fabric out, ink or paint is forced through the open fabric with a rubber blade onto the paper

Sculpture

refers to a three-dimensional art object created through carving, modeling, casting or constructing

Triptych

a painting or drawing composed of three separate panels hung side by each

Watercolor Paint

paint consisting of fine pigment particles suspended in an aqueous binder, this pigment is mixed with water and applied to the paper

Wood Block/Wood Cut Print

a method of relief printing from a block of wood carved so that an image stands out in relief - the non-printing areas are cut away