Opacity
Definition
Opacity refers to how opaque or transparent an object or material is. In art, it describes how much light can pass through or be blocked by a particular element.
Analogy
Imagine two glasses filled with water - one glass is completely clear (transparent) while the other is frosted (opaque). When you hold them up to the light, you can see through the clear glass easily, but not through the frosted glass. This difference in transparency is similar to opacity in art.
Related terms
Value: The relative lightness or darkness of colors or tones in an artwork. It helps create depth and form.
Texture: The surface quality or feel of an object depicted in art. It can be rough, smooth, bumpy, etc., adding visual interest.
Reflection: The bouncing back of light from a surface. Artists often depict reflections to show objects' interaction with their surroundings.
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