Week # 2 (March 8-14) Negative Space 1

Negative space is a very important concept in art. Generally negative space refers to the space between lines, or the form that the lines create in a small cross section, so to speak. I encourage you to to read this simple informative entry about negative space from "About.com" [link] and any other research that is easily done through google(there are a number of great pages on Negative space or otherwise called contour drawing). Whether you read up on negative space or not, this activity will teach you the concept and help you learn how to implement it while drawing. Also, it will begin to show you the correct way to view art through impeding of your eyes from searching for the familiar, and encouraging the use of new and unfamiliar shapes.

Often this activity is practiced with real life objects(such as stools [link]), but since this is probably our first time practicing such we will use a line sketch to ensure that the desired results of the activity are achieved.

We will experience the use of Negative space for this activity by acquiring an already finished line sketch or art. You will then turn this upside down(180°) and use it as a reference for this activity(DO NOT TRACE). You will draw an entirely new picture (on the same sized piece of paper) based on the space that you see BETWEEN THE LINES. In other words, do not re-draw the lines, but focus on the shapes that the lines collectively create, ie the space between the lines.

Do not use your own art, be sure that it was originally drawn by some one else and is unfamiliar to you. In fact, I would prefer that every one uses this picture of "Igor Stravinsky" drawn by Picaso, to help keep you from assuming shapes while drawing. Here is the Original link and here is a link of the picture turned upside down and enlarged, for immediate drawing use Use This Drawing, By Picaso, For This Activity

So, while drawing be sure to pay special attention to the way that the lines are bending and how they attribute to the space in between, some call this "contour drawing" and it is not an in depth exercise for negative space, but only a beginning. Also I suggest that you begin drawing from the TOP of the suggested link(the bottom of the picture when upright) because of the wide spaces and lack of identifiable objects. Next week we will probably go more in depth in this. Best of luck, and I cannot wait to see your drawings.

**** Please submit these drawings to the Negative Space folder****

View the original article here