Drawing something out of nothing
A negative space drawing of a chair . Three-dimensional objects take up space. They live in this space whether they are a house, a sculpture or a piece of furniture. Artists consider the shape of the objects they design, and they must also think about the space the objects live in. We refer to this space around the object as "negative space." Artists know that good design will bring together these two basics - positive shapes and negative space. In order to understand negative space, it is helpful to draw it. Drawing is another way of looking at things, another way of seeing. In order to really see negative space, try this: Choose one of the following suggestions for your drawing: Manship's Indian Hunter and Dog Manship's Time and the Fates Sundial Your job is to draw only the spaces around the object in the picture, not the object itself. First it may be helpful to try to see each space as a shape. Draw the negative spaces, one after another, keeping in mind how they relate to each other. Try not to think about the object itself, only the spaces around the object. All the spaces will fit together in the end as if they were pieces of a puzzle. After you have finished, the shape of the object living in the space should appear. What has drawing this way taught you about how an artist uses positive shapes and negative space?
Designing Spaces and Places | Inner Worlds | Environment | What is Art | Identity