Shape

Look for the thinking head to help you identify the "big ideas" to take away from the lesson, as well as the open book to easily find definitions.

A shape is an enclosed space defined by a line or by contrast to its surroundings (eg., by value, colour, or texture).

Shapes are flat because they only have 2 dimensions (length and width).

A shape’s orientation within the picture plane creates a visually implied plane, inferring direction and depth in relation to the viewer. The graphic below shows some examples.

Imagine that these shapes are the same circle shape but each is viewed from a different angle.

We see ellipses because the "circle" has become tilted in the imaginary space of the picture plane.

Using the word "shape" to describe 2D areas

Sometimes the word "shape" is used when talking about 3D form. Why? Well, because it can refer to the 2D outline or silhouette of an object.

In some cases, the 3D object may be comprised of a 2D shape(s).

But we should really use the word "form" to describe any 3D object.

In this sculpture, artist Nike Savvas has assembled a series of lines and shapes to create this 3D object.

You can identify the pentagon shapes used. But as a whole, this sculpture is a 3D form, not a shape.

Geometric and Organic Shapes

We like to sort shapes into one of two main categories: geometric shapes or organic shapes.

Geometric Shapes

description:
- have precise edges (i.e. circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles)
- found in architecture and human-made items
what they convey:
- suggest mechanical perfection as the lines, contours and surfaces of geometric shapes appeal to our sense and need for order
- seem unemotional or lacking feeling, appealing to viewers' minds over their emotions
- angular shapes with zigzag outlines and with pointed projections remind us of sharp, jagged things that hurt (i.e. broken glass, sharp knives), so we tend to be feel cautious and nervous about these shapes

Organic shapes

description:
- have free-flowing, informal and irregular characteristics
- e.g. leaves, seashells, and flowers
- are often found in nature
what they convey:
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Organic vs Geometric Shapes.pptx

Sketchbook Assignment: Split Down the Middle - Designing shapes Geometrically and Organically

In your sketchbook:

Tree Illustration using both geometric and organic SHAPE --- read ALL the steps before you start ---

Draw a 8 inch wide by 10 inch tall rectangle in the centre of your page
Select a tree image from a print or digital source. Print it out so you can attach it to your sketchbook.
Split your 8 inch wide by 10 inch tall rectangle down the middle -- one half (your choice) of the tree image must be drawn geometrically, the other half drawn (or designed) organically!
Shading and colour are optional.

Other sub-categories of Shape

Within the main categories of geometric and organic shape, we can further sort shapes into sub-categories.

They are: positive shapes, negative shapes, static shapes, dynamic shapes, light and dark shapes, and large and small shapes.

Positive shapes

are the enclosed areas that we also call the positive space in a design
recall, that in 3D art we can follow the outline of an object and see a "shape" in that outline -- but don't confuse a positive "shape" with a 3D "form"

Negative shapes

the negative space in a design can form a "shape" when it meets the edges of a positive shape
In sculpture, the negative space is the portion that is removed from a sculpture, it can also become a shape when it meets the positive form of the sculpture

Les Voyageurs, by French artist Bruno Catalano uses negative space in an interesting way. The "cut away" or "empty" pieces of the figures is meant to make a statement about how every traveller leaves parts of themselves behind when they leave home for a new shore.

Static shapes

appear stable and resting (not moving)
could be sitting on a side

Dynamic shapes

appear to be moving and active
could be standing on one point

Light & Dark shapes

are the shapes we perceive when we recognize changes in areas of light and shadow
when shading (or rendering) working with "light" and "dark" shapes can be helpful

Large & Small shapes

shapes come in many sizes
"breaking down" a subject into basic shapes can help you understand it better
start by looking for the largest, most dominant shapes, then work down to the smaller, more intricate ones

The Behaviour of Shapes

Similar to how the element of line has orientations and styles that can communicate different ideas and feelings, shape, too, can suggest ideas and feelings within the composition of an artwork.