In art, what does the term "medium" refer to?

The term "medium" in art specifically refers to the materials or techniques employed by an artist to create their work. This includes various forms of artistic media such as oil paint, watercolor, charcoal, clay, metal, and digital tools. The choice of medium can greatly affect the outcome and perception of the artwork. For instance, oil paint can be layered and manipulated to achieve a rich texture, while watercolor tends to create a more fluid and transparent effect.

Understanding the medium also encompasses the techniques associated with it, such as the brushwork in painting or the carving in sculpture. This aspect of art is crucial for both the artist's expression and for art historians or critics who analyze and interpret artworks based on the materials and processes used. Therefore, the focus on the medium encompasses both the physical materials and the methods applied in creating an artwork, making it a fundamental concept in the study of art.