Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Form describes a three-dimensional object
and gives a three-dimensional feel and look of
an object. In drawing and painting, we may use
shading and highlighting of an outline drawing
to show this. Forms have volume - a word that
describes the weight, density, and thickness of
an object. The solidness or volume of the form
could be obtained by using highlights on one side
of each object and shading on the opposite side.
Shapes are geometric (such as triangles, squares,
circles, etc.) or organic (such as leaves). Forms
also are geometric (such as pyramids, cones, cubes,
spheres, etc.) or organic - natural (like trees). They
can be irregular (like clouds).
Space is the void between solid objects (forms)
and shapes. It is everywhere, all around us. Ev-
erything takes up space in one form or another,
whether it's two-dimensional, like drawing and
painting, or three-dimensional, like sculpture
and architecture. Paintings, drawings, and prints
take up two-dimensional space. In a painting, it
is limited to the edges of the canvas. Sculpture
and architecture take up three-dimensional space.
Music and literature involve time. Some arts,
such as film, opera, dance and theater take both
space and time.
See Table 8 for Your Visual Response.
Table 8.
Your Visual Response: A Sketch of a City
Show space in your short sketch of a city. Draw shapes of windows and doors. Draw forms of skyscrapers and houses, lampposts, and
benches. Draw geometric forms of roofs, then organic forms of trees and clouds. Show the volume of those by shading and highlighting.
Are the streets broad or narrow? Is there a square? Are the houses spacious?
