Title: Shapes
Course: EN_Overall composition > Section: 3. The elements of art and design

When a line meets up to enclose a space, a shape is formed.

A shape is a two-dimensional design encased by lines to signify its height and width structure, and can have different values of color used within it to make it appear three-dimensional.

Simplistic, geometrical shapes include circles, triangles and squares, and provide a symbolic and synthetic feeling, whereas acute angled shapes with sharp points are perceived as dangerous shapes. Rectilinear shapes are viewed as dependable and more structurally sound, while curvilinear shapes are chaotic and adaptable.

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Reflection and exercise

1. Look around you and notice which shapes you see. Make a simple sketch of each.

- Material: Paper and pencil

2. Tangram

- Be creative in finding shapes using the Chinese game "Tangram".  Use the worksheet "Tangram".

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Now see the video and learn more about different kind of shapes and possible effects.
Don't forget to complete the work-table "Elements of art".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJzGkZwkHt4

Exercises

1. Geometric or Biomorphic?: Shapes in works of art

Artists can express different things with forms, think of directions such as cubism. On the other hand, they can also play with shapes, for example to create illusions, or to create movement or stillness.

- See the slide show and evaluate the shapes!
https://www.nga.gov/learn/teachers/lessons-activities/elements-of-art/shape.html

2. Now it’s your try: Create your own figure-ground reversal.

Draw an object or a pattern of several of them. Have them change gradually so that the negative spaces become another object, and the figure and ground are reversed.

- Material: Paper and pencil

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Op_art#/media/File:2012_Henrique_Matos_Optical_Motion_01.jpg

Additional:
See more examples for art works: https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-use-shape/