Element of Shape

ELEMENT OF SHAPE


Shape is an area enclosed by line.

We typically think of shape as a closed contour.

Shape is a two-dimensional area: having height & width.

Forms are objects that have three dimensions: height, width & depth.

Forms & shapes are related. You can turn a shape into a form by adding value. You can simplify a form from life into a simple shape.


Groups/Types of Shapes

  1. Geometric Shapes have definite sides: CIrcle, square, trapezoid, oval, etcetera.

  2. Amorphous or Free Form shapes may be abstract shapes of any size or configuration: liquids, clouds or spills of oil.

  3. Biomorphic or Organic shapes are those which represent living organisms: animals, plants, humans, etc.


Characteristics of Shape

  1. Volume: 

   A) may be indicated by showing differences in value on rounded surfaces. (This is known as modeling - adding the value to a shape following the contour of the object.)

             B) Square or flat shapes can appear to have volume by showing differences in value on more than one plane.

  1. Overlapping shapes create a feeling of depth.

  2. Interrupted shape is a shape almost entirely enclosed by a line, and appears to be a complete shape even if the line is broken. 



Placement of Shape on Paper

  1. Shapes parallel to the sides of the picture plane, creates a feeling of tranquility.

  2. Shapes at angles to the sides of the picture plane appear to be pulling the sides/edges inward.

  3. Large shapes placed at the bottom of a composition gives it a sense of stability.

  4. Large Shapes placed at the top of a composition give the feeling that the artwork may topple over any minute.


Positive and Negative Shape

  1. The positive shape (space) is usually the subject or main focus of a composition; these shapes are defined by the objects themselves.

  2. The negative shape (space) is often considered to be the background; these are the shapes defined around objects.


Recognizing the shapes we see will lead to improving drawing and painting.