Last week I wrote about the versatile line and how it's used in art. If you can master drawing a line in all its forms and variations, you can make art. How liberating is that?
This week I want to share a bit of information about line's cousin, shape. Shape is another of the seven elements of art:
Line: A path of a moving point
Shape: Enclosed area with two dimensions; geometric or organic
Color: Created by light; includes hue (name), value (shade or tint), and saturation (brightness)
Value: Degrees of lightness or darkness
Form: Three-dimensional, taking up space and volume
Texture: Surface quality or feel, real or implied
Space: An illusion of depth, can be two- or three-dimensional and negative or positive
You've been something of a shape expert since kindergarten. Let me try to add a bit more context to using shapes in art-making. Shapes bring structure, rhythm, and balance to art and, like lines, come in a variety pack.
Geometric Shapes
Circles and Ellipses: Circles are like a friendly embrace in art. They suggest unity, eternity, and completeness. They can represent balance and harmony, and they often evoke feelings of calmness and positivity. (Note that an oval is not always an ellipse. Ellipses have mathematical symmetry on two axis while ovals are generally tapered on one end.)
Squares and Rectangles: These shapes exude stability, order, and structure. They are often used to convey a sense of balance, reliability, and solidity. Think of architectural designs or cityscapes.
Triangles: Triangles are dynamic and full of energy. They can represent change, tension, and movement. An upward-pointing triangle can suggest growth and aspiration, while a downward-pointing triangle might evoke stability and foundation.
Organic Shapes
Curves: Curved shapes, like waves and spirals, often evoke a sense of flow, grace, and natural beauty. They can symbolize softness, femininity, and gentleness.
Amorphous Shapes: These are irregular and undefined shapes often found in nature. They can create a sense of unpredictability, mystery, and sometimes even unease.
Abstract Shapes
Non-representational Shapes: Abstract art uses shapes that don't mimic recognizable objects. These shapes encourage viewers to engage with the artwork emotionally and intellectually, sparking unique interpretations.
Irregular Shapes
Drips and Splatters: Used in abstract and modern art, irregular shapes like drips and splatters can suggest chaos, spontaneity, and unpredictability.
Collage Shapes: Irregular shapes in collages can symbolize fragmentation or diversity, making them useful for expressing complex concepts.
Symbolic Shapes
Cross: The cross shape carries religious and cultural significance. It often represents balance, unity, and spirituality.
Heart: The heart shape universally symbolizes love, affection, and compassion. It's a powerful shape that instantly resonates with emotion.
Star: Stars are often associated with dreams, guidance, and hope. They can represent ambition and reaching for the unknown.
Negative Space
Empty Spaces: The areas around and between shapes are known as negative space. It can be as important as the shapes themselves. Negative space can create balance, emphasize the main subject, and give the viewer room to breathe.
Using Basic Shapes to Draw
Perhaps the most helpful thing I've learned about drawing is to start with basic shapes. I've always tried to draw objects by starting with the outline. It works much better to build your drawing from shapes and then add detail. I'll point you to this YouTube video, How to Draw Anything Using Basic Shapes from Paint with Caleb, for a really good demonstration of this practice.
I hope this little tutorial from me, a drawing novice, (and Caleb the expert) gives you the courage to draw more. Remember that creativity is not about perfection, it's about practice; it's not a competition, it's play. Go play.
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