Negative Space Drawing
NEGATIVE SPACE
Negative Space is the area of an image not occupied by shapes or forms. This part of the drawing is often neglected, or filled with casual scribbles. Negative space drawing involves concentrating on drawing The areas around the object. When we focus our attention on the negative space it helps us to better see the positive space.
In-Class Activity
Opener:
Seeing negative space- Using positive and negative space relationships to help with observational drawings (draw what you see..)
HAND- Drawing Activity---
Introduce negative space via video links
Video Links:
Now take your hand and arrange it in a way that has at least one closed space... preferably more. Start off by trying to draw the closed negative shapes that are created in and around your hand. Once these shapes are identified and located add the other shapes around the outside until you have drawn all the negative spaces. Shade in the negative space.
With 20 minutes left in class we will go outside and grab leaves of interesting shapes. These will then get arranged/taped onto a paper. We will begin with these next class
Composing with negative space in mind.
Materials: Drawing paper, Sharpie, Pencil, Markers, Water Colors
For this activity you will be going outside and gathering some leaves (5-6) with interesting shapes. Then you are going to arrange the leaves on your paper in a way that creates a dynamic (energetic and active) negative space.
To prepare your paper start by creating a 1 inch border around your drawing paper (use a ruler).
Once you get the leaves you will lay them on your paper and move them about until your start to see interesting negative spaces being formed (the spaces where there are no leaves) NOTE: you are encouraged to let the leaves go off the paper in some areas... see examples– and trace them with a pencil. Once it looks super interesting you will trace the leaves with a Sharpie and embellish or decorate the negative space. The leaves themselves should remain white these are the positive shapes and we are focussing on negative the space.
PAST STUDENT EXAMPLES
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns andresonc@rsu5.org