Element of Art: Form Physical characteristics Varieties of Form Form in relations to other Elements of Art
Form O a form is a three-dimensional geometrical figure (i.e.: sphere, cube, cylinder, cone, etc.), as opposed to a shape, which is two- dimensional, or flat.
Understanding Form O Form refers to the visible elements of a piece, independent of their meaning. For example, when viewing Leonardo's Mona Lisa, the formal elements therein are: color, space, lines, shape, etc., while the feelings of mystery and intrigue the piece evokes are informal products of the viewer's imagination.
Understanding Form O When drawing representationally, the goal is to create the illusion of form. O To create the illusion of form by understanding how light reacts on the object.
Understanding Form O Light reacts on objects and is communicated to viewers through several factors. Adjusting these areas with values of the local color will result in the illusion of form in a drawing or painting. O The highlight is the area where light is hitting the object directly. O The midtone is the middle value of the local color of the object. O The core shadow is the area(s) that is shaded on the object. O The cast shadow is the area(s) that is shaded on surrounding objects and surfaces because of blocked light. O The reflected highlight is the area on an object that is lighter because of reflected light off of surrounding objects.
Form in painting
Plate 12: Deconstructing Figures into Simple Shapes
O Geometric shape to 3 dimensional forms David Smith, “Cubi”
Shading the basic forms : Rounded Forms Requires Gradation Sphere Cylinder Cone Flat Forms: Flat Shading (The entire side is shaded one value usually) Cube Pyramid
Review Qualities of Shape: 1. Light and Heavy Shapes 2. Smooth and Textured Shapes 3. Static and Dynamic Shapes These qualities apply to form also!
Light vs. Heavy
Smooth vs Textured
Static vs Dynamic
Value/Gradation A gradient a minute (or gradual) change from one shade, tone, or color to another. Darker value recedes, lighter values advances (come forwards).
Deconstruction of Figure using Form
Sculpture in the round O Sculpture in the round: A free standing form, not attached to anything other than a base. 360º
High Relief Sculpture O High-Relief: Form that has significant depth and protrudes quite a bit from the lowest portion. Usually attached to a backing of some kind (stone, clay, etc.).
Low Relief Sculpture O Low-Relief: Form that has shallow depth, height and width. Can only see one side.
Terms O Negative Space in 3-dimensional art can be the air that surrounds a form or a hole that lets air through the shape. O Positive Space is the object itself. O Texture in a form can call attention to an area the artist wishes to emphasize.