Sketch Book for the Artist

Negative Space

UNCONSCIOUSLY WE ASSESS spatial relationships all the time

to guide ourselves through the world. But how often do we

look at the air between things; shapes of air cut out and

defined by the physicality of our environment? When we

look into the branches of a tree, do we see myriad distinct

and unique shapes of daylight or do we just see branches?

Why as artists should we look at the air?

Every space in a picture has a shape, position, tone, and

a role to play. Viewers appreciating a finished image may

not see shapes of space, but if the artist does, their subject

and composition will become more real, unified, dynamic,

and engaging. Negative space is the simple key to getting

positive shape right; a foundation stone in picture-making.

Unfamiliar shapes of negative space reveal the real shape of

a positive subject. Looking at negative space overrides the

problem of drawing what you know, rather than what you

see in front of you. It is an astonishingly simple device

that many artists use and I strongly recommend.

The drawing opposite is of the uppermost leaves of

a potted fig tree. In following this class, you will need a

similar large-leaved plant, a sharp HB pencil, an eraser,

and a fresh page in your drawing book. Remember that

plants do move! Therefore it is best to complete your

drawing in one sitting if possible.

WHERE TO START

Arrange your plant and paper so you can look back and forth by barely

moving your head; this ensures a consistent view.The box opposite isolates an

area, which is shown in the three steps below. Follow these from left to right

and see how I began with one complete shape between two parts of a leaf,

erasing and adjusting lines until itlooked right, then added a second shape, third,

fourth, and so on. In your own version, remember to draw only space, not

leaves. It helps to start at the center and map outward.

Draw a complete shape Map outward from the center Erase and adjust lines until correct

PLANTS

AND

GARDENS