For intermediate learners discussing creative work and technique: composition, genre, symbolism, and the language of critique.
Free Art & Culture vocabulary flashcards at the B1 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and recognize and use these words confidently in real conversations.
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abstract
describing art that uses shapes and colours rather than realistic images
composition
the way elements such as colour, shape, and line are arranged in a work of art
technique
a particular method used when creating art, music, or literature
genre
a category of art, music, or literature with shared features
narrative
the story or account of events told in a book, film, or painting
aesthetic
relating to beauty and the appreciation of art and design
choreography
the art of planning and arranging the steps and movements of a dance
improvise
to perform or create something without planning it in advance
interpret
to explain or perform a work of art in a particular way
motif
a repeated pattern, image, or idea used throughout a work of art
perspective
a technique used to show depth and distance in a flat image
rehearse
to practise a performance before presenting it to an audience
symbolise
to represent an idea or quality through an object or image
texture
the way a surface feels or looks, used in art to add depth and interest
collaborate
to work together with another person or group on a creative project
influence
the effect that one artist or style has on another
medium
the material or method an artist uses to make their work
theme
the main subject or idea explored in a work of art or literature
imagery
the use of vivid language or visual elements to create a strong picture
layer
one level of paint or material placed on top of another
exhibit
to display art or objects in a public place for people to see
critic
a person who writes or speaks their opinions about art, music, or literature
adapt
to change a story or work so it can be presented in a different form
contrast
a noticeable difference between two things used for artistic effect
impression
the feeling or idea that a work of art gives to the viewer
craft
a skill used to make things by hand, often with artistic quality
original
made directly by the artist and not a copy
contemporary
belonging to the present time or period
setting
the time and place in which a story or film takes place
convey
to communicate a feeling or idea through artistic work
vivid
producing strong, clear, and detailed images in the mind
tone
the mood or feeling expressed in a work of art or piece of writing
verse
a group of lines in a poem or song that form a unit
restore
to repair a damaged painting, building, or artwork to its original condition
archive
a collection of historical documents, films, or artworks kept for reference