SHAPE
Shapes can be either positive or negative. Positive shapes
are those that have been intentionally created against a
background. Negative shapes are the ones left behind
between the positive shapes. Both are equally important.
Shapes can be organic or geometric. Organic shapes are
more freeform, whereas geometric shapes are mathemati-
cally derived.
Shapes can attract more attention if you vary size, style,
and orientation.
42 I CREATIVE PA I N T W ORKSHOP
Signs and Symbols ((,
Ann Baldwin, 40" x 30"
( 101 .6 x 76.2 em). acrylic,
t issue paper, ink o n canvas.
Private collecti on.
In this painting the positive
shape is a dark cruciform.
Because it touches all four
edges of the canvas, the
four light-colored areas left
behind are negative space.
However. they form clear
shapes of their own, which
corry equal importance in
the overall design.