Shape & Form

Shape and Form

Everything Is A Shape or Form

Everything we see around us is a shape or a form.

Shapes and forms define objects in space.

Take Notes Here

In visual arts, shape and form are defined by other elements of art.

Shape and form can be defined by line.

Line and shape almost always work together.

They can also be defined by value - by making an area lighter or darker than the surroundings

Or by changing the color of the area

Or by adding a different texture

or changing the pattern

By defining a background and leaving space for the shape blank, like a cutout.

Shape can be defined by other shapes:

By assembling them in a certain way ...

... or ... by working with positive and negative shapes

There is an endless number of shapes and forms.

There are simple shapes and there are complex shapes.

Complex shapes and forms are just a combination of other shapes.

Types of Shapes/Forms

Positive and Negative Shapes

When we define a shape, we subtract it from its surroundings.

Once it’s defined, the area around it automatically becomes its background.

The defined shape or form is called positive shape

The area around it is called negative

You can not have one without the other

Most optical illusions are based on the concept of the positive / negative relationship.

Uses of Shapes

Shapes and forms play important roles in the creation of Art.

They help to create Art work in its traditional forms - painting. drawing,, sculpture, decorative art, architecture, photography.

Because everything we see around us is made of shapes and forms, we use shapes to depict what we see or what we want to convey by interpreting, modifying or just copying the shapes in front of us..

Sometimes we have to interpret 3 dimensional forms into flat shapes , as in drawings or paintings

Or the other way around - when we create a 3D form from a flat drawing or a sketch

As we do when we create a sculpture or design a building

We use simple shapes to simplify more complex ones as we draw from observation.

This is a very important skill that will allow you to become more accurate in your drawings

Simple shapes help us plan and sketch our ideas as a concept - without going into too much details, but keeping the main idea

Abstract Art, or non-objective art - is a great example of use of shapes and forms where they play the dominant role just by themselves

Graphic Designers use shapes as one of their main tools to symbolize ideas, to create layouts and logos, to design typefaces, or to emphasize important points

Every product you see and use has a form that a designer worked on

Shapes are great for decoration and creation of patterns (for textiles for example)

And there are obviously many more uses of shapes.

Emotional Qualities of Shapes

Similarly to other art elements, shapes and forms have feelings.

Different shapes evoke different emotional response from the viewer.

By using shapes strategically, you can send subliminal messages to your audience.

Do not underestimate the power of shapes and forms in your art, no matter what art form is your favorite!

Page updated

Report abuse