PRINCIPALS of DESIGN - SHAPE (4 of 16)

The principles of design are the fundamental parts of an artwork.  Identifying these principals is one way to understand an artwork.

#4 - SHAPE

     A shape is an enclosed area of space created through lines and other elements of the composition.  Shapes can be geometric or free-form.  

     Geometric shapes are precise - like squares, triangles, rectangles, polygons, etc. 

     Organic shapes are free-formed and curved, like people, animals, trees, and other natural elements.   (Below chart also includes geometric as mentioned above).

Look at shape:

Pablo Picasso, Artist

Three Musicians, 1911

PRINCIPALS of DESIGN - FORM (3 of 16)

The principles of design are the fundamental parts of an artwork.  Identifying these principals is one way to understand an artwork.

#3 - FORM

    Form is an element of design closely related to shape, but form is always three demensional.  A form is measurable by length, width, and height, and encloses volume.  Forms can be actual 3-D forms created with sculpture or architecture, or they can be implied forms where the artist creates the illusion of the form onto a flat surface.  

While a two-demensional shape can be seen from only one side, a three-demensional shape can be viewed from any side.  

Art Share

Art Share #1

Elements of Art:

• LINE:  a line is a pathway, either visible of implied, that moves the eye through a piece of work.

• SHAPE:  shape is the two-dimensional area taken up by an object.

• FORM:  this element refers to the illusion of a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface.

• VALUE:  value is the lightness or darkness of a color, or of black.

• TEXTURE:  texture in drawing or painting refers to the way we discern the qualitys of an object's surface.

• COLOR:  we all know what a "color" is, but not everyone realizes how an artist's choice of color impacts the viewer.  

• SPACE:  space is the area within the borders of your work; it is what fills the length, width, and perceied depth of a work or art.