SHAPE

SHAPE Shape is an area enclosed by line, or seen as an area because of color or value changes. Shapes have 2-dimensions, length and height.

Shapes follow the edges of forms. Patterned shapes give the work variety.

SHAPE VS. FORM The first row shows several different geometric shapes. These are 2-dimensional. (L x H) The second row shows how shapes come together to create form. The third row shows those same basic shapes but instead now they are forms! They are 3-dimensional. (L x H x W)

ORGANIC or CURVILEAR These shapes are all curving and flowing therefore we call them curvilinear shapes. Curvilinear shapes could also be called organic shapes. We can include circles and ovals.   Organic and curvilinear shapes are usually natural shapes. Think of leaves, animal shapes, and plant shapes. Aren't they all organic?

GEOMETRIC OR RECTILINEAR These shapes are angular shapes therefore we call them rectilinear shapes. Most rectilinear shapes can be also called geometric shapes however a few of them are not. These are circles and ovals. Geometric and rectilinear shapes usually are man- made.

What types of shapes do you see? "Sheep on the Job" by Will Bullas, watercolor, 30"x30"  "Interruption Series/Red Kimono" by B.J. White, Acrylic, 45"x54"

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE All shapes are either positive or negative Positive shapes are: shapes that take up space Negative shapes are: the shapes around the positive shapes OR shapes left by positive shapes

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE The positive shape is the sheep The negative shape is the black background

Figure Ground Reversal In a picture the positive shape is also called the figure and the negative shape is called the ground. What do you see? A positive vase shape or two positive head shapes?