Quick Art Vocabulary-SHAPE (Art Element)
A speedy introduction to the vocabulary/concept of the 2D art element…
🖼 SHAPE 🖼
Shape is one of the art elements. The art elements are the tools used to make great visual art: line, shape, form, color, texture, value, & space. A shape is an enclosed area using a line. A shape is 2 dimensional (flat in appearance and actuality).
There are 2 types of shapes: geometric and organic.
🧡 Geometric shapes have a name, are generally symmetrical, and are man made.
Geometric shapes brainstorm: square, circle, triangle, etc.
🌿 Organic shapes are nameless, generally irregular, and found in the natural world.
Organic shapes brainstorm: cloud, leaf, puddle, blob, etc.
Shape is used in many different ways to create amazing artwork. Shapes are used to create visual interest in art. Repeating shapes can be used to create patterns of growing complexity and rhythm (like in mandalas and zentangles). The use of shape can direct the viewer’s eye through the artwork (see the dreamscape work of Escher below). This creates a sense of experience, sending the viewer on a journey choreographed by the artist. Shapes can be used to create a sense of space in artwork, both positive and negative. This method can shift the sense of emotion, change perspective, and add emphasis. Shape is a seemingly simple gadget in the art element toolbox, with a myriad of uses. The Swiss Army knife of art elements if you will.
📚 Famous artworks utilizing SHAPE:
Henri Matisse, The Snail, 1953 utilizes both geometric and organic shapes to create an overly simplistic nature scene framed in orange.
MC Escher, Cycle, 1938- how would you move through this space? Where does your eye track? What shapes are there?
Paul Klee, The Red Balloon, 1922 shows geometric shapes with the primary focus of the main attraction (and title!).
Wassily Kandinsky, Squares with Concentric Circles, 1913 using geometric shapes of circles and squares in repetition.
Henri Matisse, Icarus, from Jazz series, 1947 using organic shapes to create a dynamic scene with very little frills.
Paul Gauguin, La Orana Maria (Hail Mary), 1891
Andy Goldsworthy, Circles, Varied (Shape, Color, Value) plays with negative space.
Georges Seurat, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, 1884 creates an entire complex’s facade using…. Dots!
🎨 What will you create using the art element SHAPE? How are you feeling inspired today? Let us know in the comments below!
🖼🌻✨ Be bold, feed your soul, live with whimsy. 🖼🌻✨