Negative and Positive Shapes

Negative space is the space between objects or parts of an object, or around it. In drawings and paintings, it is most evident when the space around the subject – rather than the subject itself – forms an interesting shape. The classic example is the optical illusion Rubin’s vase. The positive space takes on the appearance of a vase but if you look at the negative space surrounding the vase the silhouettes of two faces in profile appear.

Note: Silhouette is not the same thing as negative space. The shapes around a silhouette may be negative space but the silhouette is positive space because it’s a shape with identifiable boundaries.

Why worry about negative space?

Negative space is an important part of a composition because it helps to define the subject and bring balance to the composition. Careful study of the negative space around an object can also help you to observe the object itself more accurately. You can try this for yourself in a moment.

Typically, negative space shouldn’t distract attention from the main subject, unless it is the main subject. Negative space can be used as the main subject of the composition where it takes on an identifiable space defined by its surrounding positive space, as in the example below.

Sculpture in a Landscape No.2, William Gear (Bridgeman)

Try this

Choose a familiar object like a teapot or watering can and make a drawing of it. Instead of just drawing the shape of the teapot or watering can, though, focus your efforts on the negative space around it – the shape contained within the handle, the space between the handle and the surface the object is sitting on, the shapes formed by the spout, and so on. Looking through a viewfinder or frame for this exercise may help you to see the negative spaces more clearly. When you’re drawing an everyday object, it’s easy just to draw what you expect to see. Looking at the negative spaces around the object focuses your attention on its actual shape.

Or put your hand on a piece of paper or fabric and really concentrate on the shapes between your fingers, between your finger and thumb and between your hand and the edge of the page.

Abstract Circular Design I, Scottie Wilson, Bridgeman

Now try this

Find a potted plant with large clear leaf shapes, preferably with one or more large flowers as well. Set it up against a plain background. Consider all the space around it and between its stalk and leaves. If the plant has flowers, look carefully at the negative space around the flower. You may want to change the plant’s position at least once before you start to draw to get rid of any ‘confusing’ shapes like overlapping leaves.  Think about how you can use strong negative space to bring out the structure of the plant.

Use a graphite stick, pencil, ballpoint or pen and ink. Don’t draw the plant: draw the spaces within and around it. As you draw, review your work constantly, checking proportions and scale. You may need to correct lines and spaces – aim to be as accurate as possible. To make the image ‘readable’ to the viewer, you may need to add some basic detail to the plant such as stalks or leaf shapes.

student drawing from ‘Drawing plants and flowers’ exercise, Start Drawing, Assignment 3

It’s well worth spending time on this sort of exercise because it gives you excellent practice at focusing on line, shape and space.