Shape

Shape is 2-dimensional having length and width with mass defined by

contour.

Chapter 5 Lesson 1

Shapes and Forms

Types of Shapes

• Geometric shapes-precise shapes that can be described using mathematical formulas- circle, square, triangle, rectangle, etc.

Geometric shapes

Organic shapesOrganic or Natural- irregular and uneven, Free-form

(amoeba-like) with contour or outline edges

John Biggers Starry Crown 1987

What kind of shapes do you see in this painting?

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

Ashevak Adla Walking Bear

Where is the positive space?

Where is the negative space?

Tony Smith Grasshopper 1971

Lesson 2Space

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

Christina’s world by Andrew Wyeth

Identify Foreground, Middle ground and background.

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.

When the positive areas project farther,

the work is called high relief.

King Tut Egypt 18th Dynasty

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 shadow-chiaroscuro-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

Foreground

Middle ground

Background

The Picture Plane

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

SizeLarger 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

DetailThe more details on an object makes it appear closer to the viewer.

ColorWarmer 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 impactConstantin 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

• Shape• Holograms• Forms• Geometric shapes• Chiaroscuro• Highlights• Perspective• Point of view• Free-form shapes• Space

Word bank-write these words down.

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.

Number your paper 1-10

Select the term that matches the description.

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.

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

Answers

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?

Discussion questions

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 high-relief 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.