NEGATIVE SPACE

drawing shapes between shapes

Negative space is actually one of the foundations of right-brain drawing. The positive form is the object in front of us (e.g. a flower, a chair), and the negative space is the area around the object.

We usually observe the forms surrounding us as shapes while drawing. For example, in a bouquet of flowers, the petals of the flowers, the heads of the flowers. Now we will observe the spaces between the flowers and leaves.

This exercise will help us draw from space the most. As we have a harder time because we have to depict 3D in 2 dimensions. (That’s why it’s easier to draw from a photo because it’s already in two dimensions.) This exercise helps us see in 2 dimensions and then our only task is to draw what we see as accurately as possible.

To better understand, here’s the exercise: draw these CHAIRS using negative spaces!

So, don’t start drawing the chair, but the negative spaces, i.e. the parts around the chair, which are black in the drawing. These are completely different shapes, so you fool your left brain, because you won’t be drawing the back of the chair, but the end result will still be a chair. Try it! Use this method to practice drawing a plant (you probably have a green plant in your home, such as a ficus, with lots of small leaves, the heavier the better).

The most important thing once again: DO NOT draw the leaves, but the black parts (negative spaces)!!!

With the previous exercises, we practiced that sizes are important, so in this exercise, make sure to compare the length of the bounding curves of the “spaces” to the other parts. It’s easy if you choose a bounding curve, line and compare the size, direction, distance, and location of the others to it. This way your drawing will be accurate!

What you’ll learn from this exercise:

• It’s easier to draw complex views of objects, especially foreshortenings.
• The emphasis on negative space strengthens and improves the unity of your compositions.
• Your left brain shuts down, “I can’t name nothing. If you’re staring at this, I’m not needed. I’m shutting down.” You’ve achieved your goal.