Positive and Negative space

Positive and Negative space – still life in pencil on cartridge paper – exploring how to use negative space to ensure positive objects are drawn accurately in relation to each other, proportion, line, scale

This week, we have explored how we can use the negative space that surrounds an object to achieve more accurate observational drawings.

 An object (in this case a stool) takes up positive space in the world.  This can be seen in the central image to the left.  The space that is left around the stool is called  negative space, as seen in black in the far right stool.  We can use our understadning of this to ensure the drawings of our objects are accurate.  By ensuring the space around an object is accurate, we can be certain that the edges of the object we are observing is therefore also accurate.

 We worked from a still life of easels, lamps, and chairs to create a drawing by only recording the negative spaces.  This was to test this theory of creating accurate drawings of the objects without drawing the objects!

This is a difficult concept to grasp at first, but, once understood, will be a massive help to you when you are drawing any objects in future-  it will improve the accuracy of your observations if you are accurately recording the spaces around the objects then the objects themselves should also, by default be accurate.  Barbra Hepworth sculptures use negative space created by her sculptures become almost the focus of the work.  The empty space being the main element of the work.

Barbra Hepworth - Two Forms - Divided Circle

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16279968