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Art Terms

A list of terms used in our site is below. ArtNet has a fairly comprehensive list of art terms in their Research section.


A Serigraph (sometimes called Silkscreen) is created using a printmaking process in which paint is pushed through a fine screen – usually made of silk or nylon – onto either canvas or fine art paper. A different screen is used for each color represented in the print.

A variation on this process is a Seri-cel. Used predominately in animation art, a Seri-cel is created by pushing paint through a screen onto a film surface-likely made of acetate or mylar. This process allows artists to strongly express themselves with the use of vibrant colors and definitions.


Based on the principle that oil and water repel, a Lithograph is created when an artist produces an oil-based or pen image on a stone or piece of metal. This surface is then moistened and covered with an oil-based ink. The resulting chemical reaction between the oil and water drives away the ink on the surface – except where the drawing was first done. Fine quality paper is then placed against the surface and a lithographic press is used to create the print.

Modern technology and processes have provided artists with many unique methods with which to create magnificent lithographs. Offset lithograph is an example of a reproduction created with photomechanical processes using large four or six color presses.


From the French word meaning "spray of ink", a Giclee is a print created by using state of the art computer technology to reproduce images. By printing the image on media much like that used for the original – usually either canvas or high-quality paper – a piece of artwork stunningly similar to the original is created.

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