Chapter 5 Lesson 1
Shapes and Forms
Shape
Shape is 2-dimensional having length
and width with mass defined by
contour.
Types of Shapes
• Geometric shapes-precise shapes that can be
described using mathematical formulascircle, square, triangle, rectangle, etc.
Geometric shapes
Organic shapes
Organic or Natural- irregular and uneven, Free-form
(amoeba-like) with contour or outline edges
What kind of
shapes do you see
in this painting?
John Biggers Starry Crown 1987
Form
• Form is 3-dimensional having length, width
and depth with mass giving the illusion of
solidity.
• Geometric forms- sphere, cube, pyramid,
cone, cylinder
Chinese pair of vases
1426-1435
2-dimensional to 3-dimensions by adding value
Where is the positive space?
Where is the negative space?
Ashevak Adla Walking Bear
Tony Smith Grasshopper 1971
Lesson 2
Space
Space is the area in which an artist works.
It may be the air in which he makes a sculpture or
the paper or canvas which he works.
Space is the element of art that refers
to the emptiness or area between,
around above, below, or within
objects.
Positive Space (figure) and
Negative Space (ground)
Jasper Johns Cups 4 Picasso 1972
The Picture plane is the surface
of the painting or drawing
• Foreground-the part of the picture plane that
appears nearest to you
• Background-the part of the picture plane
that appears the farthest from you
• Middle ground- the part between the
foreground and the background
Identify Foreground, Middle ground
and background.
Christina’s world by Andrew Wyeth
Space in Three-Dimensional Art
•Architecture
•Sculpture
•Weaving
•Ceramics
•Jewelry
Reims Cathedral France 1225
Free-standing
(surrounded by negative
space) sculpture is
meant to be viewed
from more than one
viewpoint.
Church Quinua Peru 1958
Relief sculpture is not intended to be
freestanding. It projects out from a flat
surface into negative space. When the
positive areas project slightly from the flat
surface, it is called bas or low relief.
King Tut Egypt 18th Dynasty
When the positive areas project farther,
the work is called high relief.
Lesson 3 How we Perceive
Shape, Form and Space
• The eyes and brain work together to
perceive 3 dimensions- height, width and
depth
• Each eye sees an object from a slightly
different angle.
• The brain merges the views to create a 3-D
image.
Point of View
• Is the angle from which the viewer sees an
object.
Lesson 4 How Artists Create
Shapes and Forms in Space
• Shapes and forms can be classified as
natural or manufactured.
• Animals, stones, plants are natural forms
• Forms created by humans are manufactured
Grandma Moses Sugaring Off 1955 Folk Artist
The Illusion of Form-giving the
impression of depth and solidity
• By changes in value (light and dark)
• By the arrangement of light and shadowchiaroscuro-bright and dark
• By highlights-small areas of white used to
show the very brightest spots
Helen Frankenthaler
The Bay 1963
Artemisia Gentileschi Judith and
Maidservant with the Head of
Holofernes 1625
Ralph Goings Diner with Red Door 1979
The Illusion of Depth
Panini Interior of Saint Peter’s Rome 1746-54
The Picture Plane
Background
Middle ground
Foreground
Perspective
• A graphic system that creates the illusion of
depth and volume on a 2-dimensional
surface
5 ways to show space or depth on
a 2-dimensional format
• Positive space-the defined object or objects
• Negative space-the area surrounding the defined
object
• Perspective-method of drawing an object on a
picture plane that produces the same impression of
position, magnitude and distance as seen from
some point.
• Atmospheric space- created by the illusion of
depth size, color, and placement of objects.
Overlapping
•to show which object is closer and which
is farthest away
Size
Larger objects appear to be closer
Placement
Object closer to the top (background) of the picture plane
appear farther away
Objects closer to the bottom or foreground appear closer
Detail
The more details on an object makes it
appear closer to the viewer.
Color
Warmer colors appear to advance.
Cooler colors appear to recede into the distance.
Converging Lines
• Linear perspective is one way of using lines
to show distance and depth.
Linear Perspective
One-point
Two-point
Atmospheric Space
Lesson 5
What Different Shapes, Forms, and
Spaces Express
Outline and Surface
• Smooth forms are comfortable and invite
touching
• Angular shapes remind us of sharp, jagged
objects.
Haniwa Horse Japan
300-550
David Smith The Royal Bird 1947-48
Density
• Mass of an object referring to how
compact it is.
• Solid and heavy
• Unyielding,
resist impact
Constantin Brancusi Bird in
Space 1928
Openness
• Appears inviting
• Invite your eyes to wander through the work
Closed
• Look solid
• uninviting
Aztec 1550’s
Active shapes and forms:
• defy gravity
• slant diagonally
Static shapes and forms are:
• motionless, stable
• usually horizontal
• quiet, calm, peacefulness
Anna Hyatt Huntington Riders to the Sea 1912
Word bank-write these words down.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Shape
Holograms
Forms
Geometric shapes
Chiaroscuro
Highlights
Perspective
Point of view
Free-form shapes
Space
Number your paper 1-10
Select the term that matches the description.
1. Precise shapes created by mathematical formulas.
2. The arrangement of light and shadow.
3. The painter handled the _______ between the swirling
masses in his work.
4. The painter used _____ to show the brightest areas.
5. A 2-D area defined by an outline.
6. Irregular and uneven shapes with curved or angular
outlines.
7. Technique to show the illusion of depth and volume.
8. Laser beam generated 3-D image.
9. Sculptures having length, width and depth.
10. Observing a scene from an unusual location.
Answers
1. Geometric shapes
2. Chiaroscuro
3. Space
4. Highlights
5. Shape
6. Free-form shapes
7. Perspective
8. Holograms
9. Forms
10. Point of view
Discussion questions
1. What is an example of a free-form?
2. What surrounds a 3-D sculpture?
3. What is your point of view?
4. What is the part of the picture plane that is nearest
to the viewer?
5. What is the term for the place where lines appear
to meet on the horizon?
6. What makes a brightly colored object appear
closer to you?
1. What is the difference between shape and form?
Shape is 2-D and from is 3-D
2. What is the difference between positive space and
negative space?
Positive space is the shape or form and negative
space is the area around and between and inside.
3. What is the difference between low-relief and highrelief sculpture?
Low relief projects slightly and high relief projects
farther out.
4. What enables us to see objects in 3 dimensions?
The brain merges two separate and slightly different
views of an object perceived by the eyes into one 3-D
image.
5. What are 2 examples of natural and manufactured
forms?
Natural forms include animals and plants:
Manufactured forms include man-made objects
6. How do artists indicate the amount of light an object
receives?
The lightest values show areas that receive the most
light and darkest values to show areas that receive the
least light.