What Are Positive and Negative Shapes? “A good composition is not just what you add—it’s also what you don’t add.” Before You Begin For a deeper understanding, be sure to review my earlier posts: SHAPE: A Foundational Guide (June 19,…
Why Format Matters in Art Many students begin drawing without first considering the format. Yet format is not an afterthought—it should be the first decision, even before planning the composition. Would a horizontal format best emphasize New York’s towering skyscrapers?…
An Essential Element of Visual Language What is Shape in Art? In visual art, shape refers to a two-dimensional, enclosed area. It can be defined by boundaries such as lines (where the beginning point meets the ending point), color, value,…
1. Understanding Value: What is it? Value refers to the lightness or darkness of tones, essential for creating depth & form. It defines how light interacts with objects, shaping their appearance through highlights, mid-tones, and shadows.For example, in a black…
What is Value Scale? Creating Three-Dimensionality: Accurate values are essential in producing the illusion of volume and solidity. By manipulating light and shadow, artists can make objects appear rounded, receding, or projecting out of the picture plane. A value scale…
In art, value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It is a fundamental element that helps create the illusion of spatial depth and three-dimensionality (volume) on a flat surface. A helpful way to grasp the concept of…
