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A shape is a two-dimensional area. Shapes have height and width but not depth.
A shape might be defined by an outline or through contrast with its surroundings, such as through colour or tone.
There are two types of shape:
Organic - Organic shapes are ones that can be found in nature. For example fruit, vegetables, flowers and shells all have organic shapes.
Geometric shape - Geometric shapes are mathematical shapes, such as squares and circles. They are perfect and regular.
There is also negative shape this can be made of either geometric or organic shape, however it is the shapes that are created between *other physical shapes.
Higher Exam - Shape
In your Higher Exam you can talk about the following areas of shape to gain marks when analysing work.
2D — shape
Geometric Shape - Rectangles, circles, rhombus, triangles, parallelograms, stars, hexagons etc
Organic Shape - from plants, animals, natural forms etc
the description of shape — for example rounded, circular, square, rectangular, angular, fragmented, contrasting, simple, complex, layered, jagged, soft etc
Negative Shape - such as the shape between objects or silhouettes
scale and proportion of shape(s)
When answering a question it's good practice to have structure for each point you make.
What - Name what the visual element or expressive effect you want to discuss is
Where - Describe exactly where in the painting it is
Why - Analyse what the impact of the element used has on the overall visual impact or mood and atmosphere of the piece.
Key - What - Blue, Where - Red, Why - Purple
Charlotte’s Jug (2008) by Mary Fedden
Charlotte’s Jug (2008) by Mary Fedden
Oil on canvas (60 × 70 cm)
The Artist has used a large circular shaped plate in the foreground and midground of the painting, it fills 2/3 of the painting and eclipses the scene behind it while also framing the other objects to make it the dominant feature of the artwork.
The artist has painted the squared bottom of the jug at the top right of the plate which contrasts with the rounded shape at the top, this gives the impression that the artist has painted it from two different viewpoints making the painting seem almost cubist in style.
The artist has painted the repetition of the triangular shapes on the large plate to point outwards, fan-like, mimicking the segments of fruit. This emphasises the simplified approach to the subject matter yet also framing and highlighting the content of the plate.
The artist has used organic shape on the more complicated pattern on the jug which adds visual interest within a simple scene of mainly repetitive shapes, drawing the viewer to the jug helping to make this a focal point.
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