Shape, Form, and SpaceShape, Form, and Space

Chapter 6ArtTalk TextbookChapter 6ArtTalk Textbook

Shape and Form, and SpaceShape and Form, and Space ShapeShape is the is the element of artelement of art that that

refers to a two-dimensional area refers to a two-dimensional area that is defined by some kind of that is defined by some kind of boundary. boundary.

FormForm is the is the element of artelement of art that that refers to a three-dimensional refers to a three-dimensional object. In essence, the difference object. In essence, the difference between shape and between shape and form form is that is that shapeshape is 2-D and is 2-D and formform is 3-D. is 3-D.

SpaceSpace is is the the element of artelement of art that that refers to the emptiness or area refers to the emptiness or area between, around, above, below, between, around, above, below, or within objects.or within objects.

ShapeShape ShapeShape is a two-dimensional area is a two-dimensional area

that is defined in some way.that is defined in some way. A A shapeshape may have an outline or a may have an outline or a

boundary around it, or you may boundary around it, or you may recognized it by its area (i.e. a recognized it by its area (i.e. a shadow)shadow)

Shapes Shapes exist on a flat surface only exist on a flat surface only – they have length and width, but – they have length and width, but no volume.no volume.

There are two types of There are two types of shapeshape – – geometric shapesgeometric shapes and and free-form free-form shapes.shapes.

Jasper Johns. Jasper Johns. Cups 4 PicassoCups 4 Picasso. 1972 Lithograph. 22 1/8” x 32 . 1972 Lithograph. 22 1/8” x 32 1/4”. The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY. Gift 1/4”. The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY. Gift of Ceseste Bartos.of Ceseste Bartos.

Geometric ShapesGeometric Shapes Geometric shapesGeometric shapes are precise are precise

shapes that can be described using shapes that can be described using mathematical formulas.mathematical formulas.

The basic The basic geometric shapesgeometric shapes are are the circle, the square, and the the circle, the square, and the triangle. All other triangle. All other geometric geometric shapesshapes are variations or are variations or combinations of these.combinations of these.

Variations include the rectangle, Variations include the rectangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, parallelogram, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, and octagon.pentagon, hexagon, and octagon.

Geometric shapesGeometric shapes are used for are used for decoration, uniformity, and decoration, uniformity, and organizationorganization

Free-form ShapesFree-form Shapes Free-form shapesFree-form shapes are are

irregular and uneven irregular and uneven shapes.shapes.

Free-form shapesFree-form shapes can can be curved, angular, or a be curved, angular, or a combination of the combination of the two.two.

Free-form shapesFree-form shapes often occur in nature. often occur in nature. They can be the They can be the silhouettes of animals, silhouettes of animals, people, or trees.people, or trees.

FormsForms Forms Forms are are

objects having objects having three dimensions three dimensions – length, width, – length, width, and depth. and depth. (Shape only has (Shape only has length and width).length and width).

Like Like shapes, shapes, formsforms can also be can also be geometricgeometric and/or and/or free-formfree-form..

Jean Arp, Head and Shell. c. 1933. Polished brass. 7 1/4 x 7 7/8 inches. Peggy Guggenheim Collection. New York.

David Smith, Cubi VI. 1963. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

Hans (Jean) Arp. Group Mediterranee. C 1941-1965. Bronze. 31”x36”x20”

SpaceSpace Shapes Shapes and and formsforms exist in exist in

spacespace.. Space Space is the is the element of artelement of art

that refers to the emptiness that refers to the emptiness or area between, around, or area between, around, above, below, or within above, below, or within objects. All objects take up objects. All objects take up spacespace..

ShapesShapes and and formsforms are are defined by the space around defined by the space around and within them. They and within them. They depend on depend on spacespace for their for their existence.existence.

Jasper Johns. Jasper Johns. Cups 4 PicassoCups 4 Picasso. 1972 Lithograph. 22 1/8” x 32 . 1972 Lithograph. 22 1/8” x 32 1/4”. The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY. Gift 1/4”. The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY. Gift of Ceseste Bartos.of Ceseste Bartos.

M. C. Escher, Day and Night. 1938. Woodcut in black and gray, printed from two blocks39.1 x 67.7 cm (15 3/8 x 26 5/8 in.).

Positive and Negative SpacePositive and Negative Space Shapes Shapes and and formsforms take up take up

positive spacepositive space. One way to think . One way to think about it is that the objects in a about it is that the objects in a picture are the positive space.picture are the positive space.

The empty space between the The empty space between the objects is called objects is called negative spacenegative space or or groundground..

The shape and size of negative The shape and size of negative space affects the way you space affects the way you interpret positive space. interpret positive space.

Large amounts of negative space Large amounts of negative space around the positive space can around the positive space can express loneliness or freedom.express loneliness or freedom.

When positive space is crowded When positive space is crowded and jam-packed, you can feel and jam-packed, you can feel tension or togetherness.tension or togetherness.

Edward Hopper, House by the Railroad. 1925. Oil on canvas. 24 x 29 in. (60.9 x 73.6 cm.)

Rupert Garcia, Political Prisoner. 1976. Pastel on paper. 122 x 91.5 cm (48 x 36”). National Museum of American Art, Smithsonian Institurion, Washington, D.C.

Space in Three-Dimensional ArtSpace in Three-Dimensional Art Over, under, through, behind, and Over, under, through, behind, and

around are words that describe 3-around are words that describe 3-dimensional space. 3-D art forms dimensional space. 3-D art forms include architecture, sculpture, include architecture, sculpture, weaving, ceramics, and jewelry. weaving, ceramics, and jewelry. Holograms Holograms are images in 3 are images in 3 dimensions created with a laser dimensions created with a laser beam.beam.

FreestandingFreestanding art means the art is art means the art is surrounded by negative space – surrounded by negative space – you can walk around it.you can walk around it.

Relief sculptureRelief sculpture projects out projects out from a flat surface.from a flat surface.

Alexander Calder, Trois disques (Three Discs) / Man (L'Homme). 1967. Stainless steel sheet and bolts. 65' x 83' x 53‘.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens (American, 1848-1907), Amor Caritas. 1880-98, this cast 1918. Gilded-bronze relief. Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY.

Hologram

Perceiving Shape, Form, and SpacePerceiving Shape, Form, and Space

Your eyes and brain work Your eyes and brain work together to see length, together to see length, width, and depth so you width, and depth so you perceive the world around perceive the world around you in 3-D. Each eye sees you in 3-D. Each eye sees an object from a slightly an object from a slightly different angle. To see this, different angle. To see this, point to an object. Close point to an object. Close one eye, then the other. one eye, then the other. Your finger appears to have Your finger appears to have moved.moved.

Point of ViewPoint of View Point of viewPoint of view is the angle from is the angle from

which the viewer appears to see which the viewer appears to see into the artwork.into the artwork.

3 Points of view3 Points of view Bird’s eye view Bird’s eye view – seen from – seen from

above the subject looking down above the subject looking down into the into the picture plane.picture plane.

Viewer eye levelViewer eye level – seen straight – seen straight ahead in front of the viewer. ahead in front of the viewer. This is the most common point of This is the most common point of view.view.

Worm’s eye viewWorm’s eye view – seen from – seen from below the subject looking up into below the subject looking up into the the picture planepicture plane..

The artist determines the The artist determines the point of point of viewview by manipulating the by manipulating the placement of the horizon line in placement of the horizon line in the picture plane.the picture plane.

Bird’s eye view of London

Viewer eye level

Worm’s eye view

Point of ViewPoint of ViewExamples of Birds Eye ViewExamples of Birds Eye View

Point of ViewPoint of ViewExamples of Eye LevelExamples of Eye Level

J.M.W. Turner, The Battle of Trafalgar. 1824. Oil on canvas.

Point of ViewPoint of ViewExamples of Worm’s Eye ViewExamples of Worm’s Eye View

Creating the Illusion of Creating the Illusion of Depth Using ValueDepth Using Value

Artists can create the Artists can create the illusion of 3-dimensions on illusion of 3-dimensions on a flat surface by using a flat surface by using changes in changes in valuevalue (art (art element that describes the element that describes the lightness or darkness of an lightness or darkness of an object).object).

The arrangement of light The arrangement of light and shadow is called and shadow is called chiaroscuro.chiaroscuro. Another way Another way to describe to describe chiaroscurochiaroscuro is is modeling or shading.modeling or shading.

Leonardo da Vinci, Head of the Virgin in Three-Quarter View.

Creating the Illusion of DepthCreating the Illusion of DepthUsing ValueUsing Value

In order to create the illusion of In order to create the illusion of depth using value, the artist has to depth using value, the artist has to use use highlightshighlights and and shadows.shadows.

HighlightsHighlights are the small areas of are the small areas of white used to show the very white used to show the very brightest spots.brightest spots.

ShadowsShadows are the areas that are the areas that receive the least amount of light, receive the least amount of light, and can be almost black.and can be almost black.

Eugene Delacroix, Orphan Girl at the Cemetery. 1824. Oil on canvas. 66 x 54 cm. Musée du Louvre, Paris

Thomas Eakins, Portrait of Maud Cook. 1895. Oil on canvas. 24 x 20 inches. Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut

The Picture PlaneThe Picture Plane The The Picture PlanePicture Plane is the is the

surface of a painting or surface of a painting or drawing and consists of drawing and consists of three parts:three parts: ForegroundForeground Middle GroundMiddle Ground BackgroundBackground

Grant Wood, Stone City, Iowa. 1930. 30 1/4 X 40 inches Joslyn Art Museum.

Thomas Hart Benton, Embarkation. C. 1942

The Picture PlaneThe Picture PlaneForegroundForeground

The The foregroundforeground in the in the picture planepicture plane is the part is the part that appears closest to that appears closest to the viewer, usually the the viewer, usually the bottom third or half of bottom third or half of the the picture planepicture plane..

Andrew Wyeth, Marriage. 1993.

Andrew Wyeth, Night Sleeper. 1979.

The Picture PlaneThe Picture PlaneMiddle GroundMiddle Ground

The area in between the The area in between the foregroundforeground and the and the backgroundbackground is called is called the the middle ground.middle ground.

The The middle groundmiddle ground is is usually in the center usually in the center one-third to one-half of one-third to one-half of the the picture planepicture plane..

The The subjectsubject is usually is usually found in the found in the middle middle ground.ground.

Diego Rivera, La Era. 1904. Oil on canvas. Diego Rivera Museum, Guanajuato, Mex

The Picture PlaneThe Picture PlaneBackgroundBackground

The part of the The part of the picture picture planeplane that appears that appears farthest away from the farthest away from the viewer is the viewer is the background.background.

The The backgroundbackground is is usually in the top third usually in the top third to half of the to half of the picture picture plane.plane.

Henri Matisse, La leçon de musique (The Music Lesson). 1917. Oil on canvas. 244.7 x 200.7 cm (96

3/8 x 79 in); Barnes Foundation, Merion, PA

PerspectivePerspective PerspectivePerspective is a graphic system that creates the illusion of depth and volume on a two- is a graphic system that creates the illusion of depth and volume on a two-

dimensional surface.dimensional surface. Techniques to use to create Techniques to use to create perspectiveperspective are: are:

OverlappingOverlapping SizeSize PlacementPlacement DetailDetail ColorColor Converging LinesConverging Lines

Leonardo de Vinci, The Last Supper. 1495-1498. Tempera on gesso, pitch and mastic. 460 × 880 cm, 181 × 346 in

PerspectivePerspectiveOverlappingOverlapping

OverlappingOverlapping is when is when one object covers a one object covers a second object. The first second object. The first object appears to be in object appears to be in front of the second front of the second object, therefore object, therefore appearing closer in appearing closer in space.space.

PerspectivePerspectiveSizeSize

Large objects appear Large objects appear closer to the viewer. closer to the viewer. Smaller objects appear Smaller objects appear further away.further away.

PerspectivePerspectivePlacementPlacement

Objects placed low on the Objects placed low on the picture planepicture plane seem to be seem to be closer than objects placed closer than objects placed near eye level. The most near eye level. The most distant objects seem to be at distant objects seem to be at eye level.eye level.

PerspectivePerspectiveDetailDetail

Objects with clear, sharp edges Objects with clear, sharp edges and visible details appear to be and visible details appear to be closer to the viewer than objects closer to the viewer than objects that are hazy and/or lack detail.that are hazy and/or lack detail.

PerspectivePerspectiveColorColor

Brightly colored objects appear Brightly colored objects appear closer than dull, muted colors. closer than dull, muted colors. This is because the air around us This is because the air around us is not empty. It is full of moisture is not empty. It is full of moisture and dust that creates a haze. This and dust that creates a haze. This is called is called atmospheric atmospheric perspectiveperspective..

Pierre Auguste Renoir, La loge (The Theater Box). 1874. Oil on canvas. 80 x 63.5 cm (31 1/2 x 25"). Courtauld Institute Galleries, London

Henri Rousseau, Woman Walking in an Exotic Forest (Femme se promenant dans une foret exotique). 1905. Oil on canvas. 39 3/8 x 31 3/4 in. (99.9 x 80.7 cm). The Barnes Foundation, Merion, Pennsylvania

PerspectivePerspectiveConverging LinesConverging Lines

As parallel lines move away from As parallel lines move away from the viewer into the distance, they the viewer into the distance, they appear to come together or appear to come together or converge on the horizon. This is converge on the horizon. This is called called linear perspectivelinear perspective. .

Linear PerspectiveLinear Perspective The point at which parallel lines The point at which parallel lines

converge on the horizon is called converge on the horizon is called a a vanishing pointvanishing point..

In 1-point perspective, all In 1-point perspective, all receding lines meet at a single receding lines meet at a single vanishing point.vanishing point.

In 2-point perspective, different In 2-point perspective, different sets of parallel lines meet at 2 sets of parallel lines meet at 2 different vanishing points.different vanishing points.

Because 2-point perspective Because 2-point perspective creates more diagonal lines in a creates more diagonal lines in a painting, the painting appears to painting, the painting appears to be more active.be more active.

1-Point Perspective

2-Point Perspective

2-Point Perspective

1-Point Perspective1-Point Perspective

Leonardo de Vinci, The Last Supper. 1495-1498. Tempera on gesso, pitch and mastic. 460 × 880 cm, 181 × 346 in

2-Point Perspective2-Point Perspective

Jan Vermeer, The Music Lesson. c. 1662-65. Oil on canvas. 74.6 x 64.1 cm. Royal Collection, St. James' Palace, London.

The Expressiveness of Shape and The Expressiveness of Shape and FormForm

Freeform shapes/formsFreeform shapes/forms symbolize living symbolize living things. Smooth, curved outlines and things. Smooth, curved outlines and surfaces are pleasing and soothing – they surfaces are pleasing and soothing – they create a comfortable feeling. They appeal create a comfortable feeling. They appeal to us through memories of pleasant to us through memories of pleasant touching experiences.touching experiences.

Aubrey Beardsley, The Peacock Skirt. 1893.

The Expressiveness of Shape and The Expressiveness of Shape and FormForm

Angular shapes with zigzag outlines and forms with Angular shapes with zigzag outlines and forms with pointed projections remind us of sharp, jagged things pointed projections remind us of sharp, jagged things that hurt (i.e. broken glass, sharp knives). We tend to that hurt (i.e. broken glass, sharp knives). We tend to be very cautious and nervous about these be very cautious and nervous about these shapes/forms.shapes/forms.

Edvard Munch. The Village Street. 1905/06. Oil on canvas. 100 x 105 cm. Munch Museum, Oslo, Norway.

Francis Bacon, Figure with Meat. 1954. Oil on canvas. 129.9 x 121.9 cm (51 1/8 x 48 in.). Art Institute of Chicago

The Expressiveness of Shape and The Expressiveness of Shape and FormForm

Geometric shapes/formsGeometric shapes/forms suggest mechanical suggest mechanical perfection. The lines, perfection. The lines, contours and surfaces of contours and surfaces of geometric shapes/formsgeometric shapes/forms appeal to our sense and need appeal to our sense and need for order. These tend to be for order. These tend to be unemotional, and can unemotional, and can express a total lack of express a total lack of feeling. feeling.

Geometric shapes/formsGeometric shapes/forms appeal to viewers minds appeal to viewers minds rather than to their rather than to their emotions.emotions.

The Expressiveness of Shape and The Expressiveness of Shape and FormForm

The The densitydensity of an object refers to how compact it is. of an object refers to how compact it is. Dense materials are solid and heavy (i.e. granite or lead). Dense materials are solid and heavy (i.e. granite or lead).

Dense objects express something solid, unyielding, that Dense objects express something solid, unyielding, that will resist impact. Dense objects are associated with will resist impact. Dense objects are associated with protection.protection.

Soft, fluffy forms feel more comfortable and warmer Soft, fluffy forms feel more comfortable and warmer emotionally..emotionally..

DensityDensity in 3-D objects (forms) can be seen through the in 3-D objects (forms) can be seen through the actual material used – whether heavy or light.actual material used – whether heavy or light.

DensityDensity in 2-D can be represented through shading in 2-D can be represented through shading techniques, hard-edge contours, or soft, curved contours.techniques, hard-edge contours, or soft, curved contours.

Richard Serra, Fulcrum. 1987. 55 ft. freestanding sculpture of Corten Steel. Liverpool Street Station, London.

John Constable, The White Horse. 1819. Oil on canvas. 51 3/4 x 74 1/8 in. (131.4 x 188.3 cm). Frick Collection, New York

The Expressiveness of Shape and The Expressiveness of Shape and FormForm

OpenOpen shapes/formsshapes/forms appear inviting. They appear inviting. They say, “Come in”. An say, “Come in”. An open door or open open door or open structure invites you to structure invites you to come in and look.come in and look.

Closed shapes/formsClosed shapes/forms appear solid and self-appear solid and self-contained and keep contained and keep people out.people out.

Hillip Johnson, Johnson House. 1949. New Canaan, Connecticut.

The Expressiveness of Shape and The Expressiveness of Shape and FormForm

Active shapes/formsActive shapes/forms seem to defy gravity. seem to defy gravity. They slant diagonally as if they are falling They slant diagonally as if they are falling or running. However, if you balance 2 or running. However, if you balance 2 diagonal objects against each other, they diagonal objects against each other, they result in a result in a static shape.static shape.

Static shapes/formsStatic shapes/forms are firmly fixed in are firmly fixed in position and tend to evoke quiet, calm position and tend to evoke quiet, calm feelings. The direction of these feelings. The direction of these shapes/formsshapes/forms is usually horizontal. is usually horizontal.

Frank Lloyd Wright, Falling Water. 1935. Mill Run, Pennsylvania.

Meet the ArtistMeet the ArtistMichael NaranjoMichael Naranjo

Michael Naranjo is a Tea Indian of Michael Naranjo is a Tea Indian of the Santa Clara Pueblo near Santa Fe, the Santa Clara Pueblo near Santa Fe, New Mexico. His mother was a New Mexico. His mother was a potter, so he grew up working with potter, so he grew up working with clay.clay.

Naranjo lost his eyesight and was Naranjo lost his eyesight and was severely injured in Vietnam in the severely injured in Vietnam in the late 60’s. He started modeling with late 60’s. He started modeling with clay, and while in the hospital in clay, and while in the hospital in Denver, he made an Indian whipping Denver, he made an Indian whipping a horse across the plain.a horse across the plain.

Now Naranjo works in wax, stone Now Naranjo works in wax, stone and clay. He gets his ideas from and clay. He gets his ideas from things he saw in the past and has to things he saw in the past and has to visualize from his mind, which takes visualize from his mind, which takes a long time.a long time.

Because each sculpture takes so long, Because each sculpture takes so long, Michael Naranjo only produces a few Michael Naranjo only produces a few sculptures a year.sculptures a year.

Michael Naranjo, Justice.

Objective Assessment – Building Objective Assessment – Building VocabularyVocabulary

Write the entire definition, then add the term that best matches the definition.Write the entire definition, then add the term that best matches the definition.

1.1. A two-dimensional area that is defined in A two-dimensional area that is defined in some way.some way.

2.2. Precise shapes that can be described using Precise shapes that can be described using mathematical formulas.mathematical formulas.

3.3. Irregular and uneven shapes.Irregular and uneven shapes.4.4. Objects having three dimensions.Objects having three dimensions.5.5. The element of art that refers to the area The element of art that refers to the area

between, around, above, below, or within between, around, above, below, or within objects.objects.

Objective Assessment – Building Objective Assessment – Building VocabularyVocabulary

Write the entire definition, then add the term that best matches the definition.Write the entire definition, then add the term that best matches the definition.

6.6. Images in three dimensions created with a Images in three dimensions created with a laser beam.laser beam.

7.7. The arrangement of light and shadow.The arrangement of light and shadow.

8.8. Small areas of white used to show the very Small areas of white used to show the very brightest spots.brightest spots.

9.9. A graphic system that creates the illusion of A graphic system that creates the illusion of depth and volume on a two-dimensional depth and volume on a two-dimensional surface.surface.

Objective Assessment – Reviewing Objective Assessment – Reviewing Art FactsArt Facts

Write the following questions and then the answer.Write the following questions and then the answer.

1.1. Name the two basic types of shapes and tell which Name the two basic types of shapes and tell which is more often used for decorative purposes.is more often used for decorative purposes.

2.2. What is the difference between shapes and forms?What is the difference between shapes and forms?

3.3. By what are shapes and forms defined?By what are shapes and forms defined?

4.4. Name the two kinds of space found in art?Name the two kinds of space found in art?

5.5. Using a portrait as an example, name the kind of Using a portrait as an example, name the kind of space the subject occupies.space the subject occupies.

6.6. Explain how each eye can be a different point of Explain how each eye can be a different point of view.view.

Objective Assessment – Reviewing Objective Assessment – Reviewing Art FactsArt Facts

Write the following questions and then the answer.Write the following questions and then the answer.

7.7. Explain how an artist is able to create the illusion Explain how an artist is able to create the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface.surface.

8.8. Name and describe the six devices for creating Name and describe the six devices for creating perspective in drawing.perspective in drawing.

9.9. Name and describe two kinds of perspective.Name and describe two kinds of perspective.10.10. Give an example of an active shape and tell what Give an example of an active shape and tell what

makes it look active.makes it look active.11.11. Give an example of a static shape and tell what Give an example of a static shape and tell what

makes it look motionless, or stable.makes it look motionless, or stable.