Element of Art - Shape

How artists utilize figure and ground

Shape & FormA two-dimensional object with an identifiable edge is called a shape. Since many artists work on a flat surface like paper or canvas most of the objects placed on the surface qualify as shapes.

Form is the three-dimensional version of a shape. A sculpture is considered form because it often sits on a base and the viewer can walk around it or see behind the objects making up the

work.

Objects exist in the positive space. The area that surrounds the object

is the negative space.

Positive and

Negative Space

Artists often spend as much time looking at the space surrounding the object – the Ground as the object itself – the

Figure

Figure and Ground

Space and Shape in Form

Color can support shape by creating depth