visual characteristic

In art, an attribute used to convey intention when creating a work of art. Knowledge of visual characteristics is also important in the interpretation of a work of art. Some of the more dominant characteristics are composition, distortion, subjects, exaggeration, metaphor, meaningful images, symbols, and personal experiences. Generally, visual characteristics are influenced by initial intention, chosen media, and place of creation; these will also alter the visual communication of the composition (what the work is trying to communicate to the viewer).

While continuing to maintain original intent, artists will often use different characteristics to communicate distinct meanings. For example, the characteristics used in the creation of a mask will be different from those used in the painting of a realistic portrait. When making a mask the artist may apply personal symbols, create exaggerated features to represent certain ideas, or use a particular medium to signify a special concept. On the other hand, an artist creating a realistic portrait would not employ characteristics that would change the intention or original goal of realism (such as distortion of a feature); instead the artist would use more objective visual attributes. Works of art are often interpreted by the visual characteristics, and an artist's intent is generally distinguished by their purposeful choice of personal and expressive visual traits.