ELEMENTS OF SHAPES IN ART COMPOSITION : Use Different Types of Shapes Such as geometric, naturalistic, free form, and abstract to Create Interest in Drawings

Art: Studying the Elements of Shape

An extension of this lesson can be based on shape using all five paintings suggested in this section.

An Introduction to Negative Drawing with Mike Sibley

Design Elements Shape

Shape is defined as any element that’s used to determine or give form. We see shapes every day in logos, flags, books, clothes. A shape can exist in isolation or used in conjunction with type or lines. Look at the shapes below. There are no colors, yet many people will understand what these shapes mean or represent.

Does Negative Space Have a Shape? | "Learn to Draw" Lesson

Let's take a look at our optical illusion vase again. This time we will be look at what is not there - the "negative space."

Form, Shape and Space

Form and shape are areas or masses which define objects in space. Form and shape imply space; indeed they cannot exist without space. There are various ways to categorize form and shape. Form and shape can be thought of as either two dimensional or three dimensional. Two dimensional form has width and height. It can also create the illusion of three dimension objects. Three dimensional shape has depth as well as width and height.

Quick Tips in Design : Part 5: Shape

In visual art, shape can be defined as simple or complex, geometric or natural, and abstract. A shape may combine different qualities, for example one shape can be both simple and natural, and another shape can be simple, geometric, and abstract.

Shape : Basic Elements of Design - Shapes are a basic element of design. They are made up of closed contours and three dimensional objects placed in the design. Shapes are used to convey meaning and organize information. Shapes can be 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional.