Element of Art - Shape How artists utilize figure and ground
Shape & Form A two-dimensional object with an identifiable edge is called a shape. Since many artists work on a flat surface like paper or canvas most of the objects placed on the surface qualify as shapes. Form is the three-dimensional version of a shape. A sculpture is considered form because it often sits on a base and the viewer can walk around it or see behind the objects making up the work.
Objects exist in the positive space. The area that surrounds the object is the negative space. Positive and Negative Space
Artists often spend as much time looking at the space surrounding the object – the Ground as the object itself – the Figure Figure and Ground
Space and Shape in Form
Color can support shape by creating depth