Space, Shape and Form

Shape Shape is a two-dimensional area that is defined in some way. Geometric Shapes Circle, Geometric Shapes are precise shapes that can be described using mathematical formulas Square Triangle Oval

Geometric Shapes Octagon Rectangle Trapezoid Parallelogram Hexagon Pentagon

Free-form shapes/Organic Free-form shapes are irregular and uneven shapes. Outlines may be curved, angular or a combination of both. Often occur in nature

Forms are objects having three dimensions. Forms may be either geometric or free-form. Shapes and forms are related. One side of a cube is a square for example.

Shape to Form Shape Form Square Circle Triangle Rectangle Cube Sphere, Cone, Cylinder Cone, Pyramid, Triangular Prism Rectangular Prism, Cylinder

Examples of Form in Life Geometric Form Life Examples Sphere Cube Cylinder Cone Triangular Prism Rectangular Prism Pyramid Orange, Ball Box, Dice Soda can, drinking glass Traffic cones, funnels Tent Boxes, suitcases Great Pyramids in Egypt

Illusion of Form Chiaroscuro is the arrangement of light and shadow. It is called modeling or shading today. Highlights—small areas of white used to show the very brightest spots.

Expressive qualities Free-form shapes and forms symbolize living things. Angular shapes with zigzag and forms with pointed projections remind us of sharp, jagged things. Geometric shapes and forms suggest mechanical perfection.

Outline and Surface Expressive qualities Density—mass of an object. Dense materials are solid and heavy, soft fluffy forms are less dense. Openness—an open form appears inviting and invites the viewer or audience in. Closed shapes and forms look solid and self-contained. Activity and stability—active shapes and forms seem to defy gravity—they slant diagonally. Static shapes and forms are motionless or stable and usually horizontal

Space Space is the element of art that refers to the emptiness or area between, around, above, below, or within objects. Positive space—figure—the space within objects. Negative space—ground—the empty spaces between objects.

Space in 3D Art Over, under, through, behind and around are words that describe 3D space. 3D art works take up real space. Architects shape space Negative areas in 3D art are very real.

Picture plane—the surface of a painting or drawing Foreground: part of the picture plane that appears nearest to the viewer. Background: the part that appears farthest away in a drawing or painting. Middle Ground: the area between the foreground and background.

Techniques for creating Space: Perspective: a graphic system that creates the illusion of depth and volume on a 2D surface. Overlapping: when one object covers part of a second object so the first seems closer to the viewer. Size: large objects appear to be closer to the viewer than small objects.

Placement: objects placed low on the picture plane seem to be closer to the viewer that objects placed near eye level. Detail: objects with clear sharp edges and visible details seem closer to you. Color: brightly colored objects seem closer than dull colors. Warm colors appear closer than cool colors. Point Perspective