The Element of Form
Art literally cannot exist without form, so the definition of form, in relation to art, must be understood.
Definition of Form
Form has been defined as the visible components in a 2D or 3D work of art, including the way that those
components are united in space within the piece.
When describing form in a piece, words like color, dimension, lines, mass, and shape are used. It is no
mistake that form is often described using other elements of art.
Types of Dimensions
There are three ways to classify shape within a piece of art. To begin with, form can be either twodimensional (shaded) or three-dimensional. A work of art that is two-dimensional will include illusions of
form as 3D objects using perspective or shading, whereas a three-dimensional form will have width and
height and depth.
Organic or Geometric
The form of a piece of art will also be described as organic or geometric. Most types of organic form might
be considered to be naturally-occurring and will be asymmetrical. A piece of art portraying moss-covered
boulders or snow-capped mountains might be considered to have organic form. A geometric form will
consist of named, regular 3D shapes, such as cubes, squares, circles, or spheres.
Natural or Abstract
Form is classified according to whether it is realistic and naturalistic or if it is abstract. Pieces of art with
realistic or naturalistic form will portray its subject in a way that is recognizable.
Pieces with an abstract form will be represented in such a way that it is either difficult or impossible to
identify.
Open or Closed
Form is classified as open if it invites the viewer within i.e like a donut or a cupped hand.
Form is classified as closed if it is very dense and does not include openings and contours that do not invite
the eye to linger and explore internal characteristics of the form, i.e. a closed fist.
Density
Density is the visual weight or compactness of a form.