Space
Vocabulary
Definition
The element of art that refers to
the emptiness or area
between, around, above, below, or within objects.
2 Types of Space
Shapes and forms
are defined by space
around and within them.
There are two types
of space:
• Positive
• Negative
2 Types of Space
Positive Space
The shapes themselves
are called
“positive” shapes
or
“positive” space.
“positive”
shapes
“positive”
space
“positive”
shapes
2 Types of Space
Negative Space
“negative” space
The spaces around
the subject
are called
“negative” shapes
or
“negative” space.
“negative”
shapes
“negative” space
“negative” space
2 Types of Space
Negative Space
A lot of times
negative spaces
are depicted as
empty, white
or black areas…
2 Types of Space
Negative Space
…in the real world,
however,
things get much more
interesting…
2 Types of Space
Negative Space
…negative spaces won’t look blank
unless your subject
is positioned against a white surface…
2 Types of Space
Negative Space
…in fact,
a negative space
may actually be
filled with
lots of detail,
perhaps even
including
smaller
negative spaces.
2 Types of Space
Example:
if you spread your hand on a tabletop,
the areas between your fingers are negative spaces
your hand and fingers themselves are positive shapes
If you put your hand on your hip,
you’ll create a triangular negative shape
between your body and your arm.
Illusion of Space
The feeling of space in a drawing or painting
is always an illusion.
Illusion of Space
Artists use various techniques
to achieve illusion in their art.
Let’s see how each
is used to create
the illusion of space
in flat,
two-dimensional
objects like
paintings or drawing...
Illusion of Space
…combining the use of light and dark value…
Illusion of Space
…simple overlapping…
In simple
overlapping a
figure partially
hides an object
that’s supposed to
be behind it.
Since our eyes
are easily fooled,
we willingly agree
that one is closer,
the other is
further away.
Illusion of Space
…ladder perspective…
figures at the
top of the page
seem to be
further away,
and are
sometimes
smaller in scale
than things that
are closer to
enhance the
illusion.
Illusion of Space
…linear perspective…
is a geometric, mathematical method
using receding lines
that move toward a vanishing point.
Illusion of Space
…linear perspective…
Illusion of Space
…linear perspective…
Illusion of Space
…atmospheric perspective…
atmospheric perspective whereby
objects in the distance seem
bluish-gray, dimmer and blurred,
or varying warm and cool colors
which seem to recede or advance.
Illusion of Space
…atmospheric perspective…
Illusion of Space in 3-D Sculpture
Space actually and easily
exists in sculpture,
because sculpture
is three-dimensional.
Henry Moore, Reclining Figure,
1951, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Frederic Remington, The Bronco Buster,
limited edition #17 of 20, 1909
Illusion of Space in 3-D Sculpture
Remember that paintings and drawings
are two-dimensional.
They have
length
and
width.
They are flat.
The painter of the old harbor –
Honfleur (France)
Illusion of Space in 3-D Sculpture
Sculpture has length, width, and depth,
the third dimension.
They are
3-D forms.
Illusion of Space in 3-D Sculpture
There are two types of sculpture:
Relief Sculpture
and
Free-Standing or
Sculpture in the Round
Illusion of Space in 3-D Sculpture
…relief sculpture…
high relief
Figures emerge from a backing surface. low relief
Reliefs are often carved from a single block of
material like marble, clay or wood.
How far the figures emerge from the backing
surface is described as
high relief,
middle relief
low relief
sunk relief
middle relief
sunk relief
Illusion of Space in 3-D Sculpture
…free standing sculpture
also know as
free standing sculpture…
Sculpture is not attached to a backing surface,
and viewers can walk entirely around the object,
viewing it from many different angles.
If you could walk behind a relief sculpture,
you’d only see a blank surface.
Mind Map of Elements
Add Space and descriptive words, phrases and examples
to your Mind Map of Elements.
Pass Out Ticket
Tell me about the space you see in this painting.