2.4 Space Explained

Key Concepts Related to 2.4 Space

Understanding the concept of space in art involves grasping two primary ideas: positive and negative space, and the use of perspective to create depth.

Positive and Negative Space

Space in art can be divided into two main categories: positive space and negative space.

Positive Space

Positive space refers to the areas of an artwork that contain the main subjects or objects. These are the shapes and forms that the viewer's eye is drawn to first.

Example: In a portrait painting, the face and body of the subject are part of the positive space, as they are the primary focus of the artwork.

Negative Space

Negative space, on the other hand, refers to the areas around and between the main subjects. It is the background or the empty spaces that help define the positive space.

Example: In the same portrait painting, the background and the areas around the subject's face and body are part of the negative space. These areas help to frame and highlight the main subject.

Use of Perspective to Create Depth

Perspective is a technique used to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. There are two main types of perspective: linear perspective and atmospheric perspective.

Linear Perspective

Linear perspective involves using lines that converge towards a vanishing point to create the illusion of depth. This technique is often used in architectural drawings and landscapes.

Example: In a cityscape painting, the streets and buildings are drawn with lines that converge towards a single point in the distance, creating a sense of depth and distance.

Atmospheric Perspective

Atmospheric perspective involves using changes in color and clarity to suggest distance. Objects in the distance are often lighter in color and less detailed, while objects in the foreground are darker and more detailed.

Example: In a landscape painting, the mountains in the background are often painted with lighter colors and less detail, while the trees and rocks in the foreground are painted with darker colors and more detail.

Examples and Analogies

Consider the work of Leonardo da Vinci, particularly his painting "The Last Supper." The use of linear perspective in this piece creates a sense of depth, making the scene feel more realistic and immersive. The vanishing point is placed at the head of Jesus, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure.

Another example is the use of negative space in the art of Japanese calligraphy. The empty spaces around the characters are as important as the characters themselves, creating a balanced and harmonious composition.