TLE 9: ICT- ILLUSTRATION

Identifying Basic Shapes and Positive/Negative space

Positive and Negative Space

Positive space refers to areas where the subject is positioned. It is the main focus subject of
interest. While negative space is area around the subject or simply the background.

Positive and negative space depends on the viewers perspective. Some people may see as being a
positive space, but others mays see that the same area as the negative space.

Below is an example of positive and negative space illusions: Rubin’s vase or sometimes called as
Rubin’s face.

It can be a vase or a two faces drawing.

If the observer sees the picture as a vase, the mind assume that the black area as negative space
and the white area is the positive space. And if the observer sees the picture as two faces, then the
mind think that the white area is negative space and the black area is the positive space.
Positive and negative space can form an important part of overall composition. It can be used to
create a sense of balance and rhythm. Learning to see and consider the negative space helps the artist
“see” things better and it can improve our compositions. It is important to recognize and observe
negative space as it is to see the positive space.

Importance of Negative Space

1. Balance – negative space draws the eye if the viewer to the subject of art. It gives a natural
balance and sense of rightness to the composition. A busy positive space means the subject of
the drawing and a quiet negative space is the background with less detailed.

2. Rhythm – can be created through repetition, alteration and pattern.

An example of using
rhythm in art.

3. Definition – the space around the point of focus will determine how the subject, do not add too
much object on the background to allow the viewer to know what to focus on.

4. Helps Create 3D Shapes – leaving negative space around the 3D objects creates a more
convincing background, making the objects pop more.
 Figure 1 Figure 2

The illustration shows a 3D shape using an outline (figure 1) and with the use of negative and
positive space (figure 2).

5. Simplicity – when looking an illustration with the correct use of negative space, it allows to
appreciate the composition without much mental effort.

6. Composition – is the way the components of a drawing are arranged. The negative space
doesn’t have to be white.

The subject of an artwork

doesn’t have to be in the
center of the canvas.

7. Overlapping Positive and Negative Space – On the given illustration, the background
(negative space) and objects are interchangeable and overlap.

The piece has a natural border

around it from all the blank space
used, making the piece come to
life.

Notan: The Dark-Light Principle of Design

Notan is a Japanese design concept involving the play and placement of light and dark as they are
placed next to the other in art and imagery. As a guiding principle of Eastern art and design, Notan (a
Japanese word meaning dark-light) focuses on the interaction between positive and negative
shapes/space. In composition, it recognizes the separate but equally important identity of both a shape
and its background.
 This use of light and dark translates shape and form into flat shapes on a two-dimensional surface.
Nōtan is traditionally presented in paint, ink, or cut paper, but it is relevant to a host of modern-day
image-making techniques, such as lithography in printmaking.

The theory behind Notan is: positive and negative areas should complement one another. They must
coexist without one dominating the other. A balanced interaction between opposites differs from the
Western idea of opposing or competing opposites in which one competes with the other. Wherein,
balance is defined as the equal distribution of visual weight in a composition.

Example of Notan Art

PERFORMANCE TASK:

GUIDED / CONTROLLED PRACTICE

Directions:
1. Using large “stick letters”, write your name so that the letters touch each edge of the paper as
well as each other, creating plenty of negative spaces. (If your name has more than four letters,
you may want to use just your initials, or use a longer piece of paper.)
2. Trace over your letters (the positive space) with a broad tip black marker to make them nice
and thick.
3. Color in the negative spaces inside and around your letters using colorful markers for a
“stained glass” effect.

Example:

Output will be graded based on the following rubrics:

CRITERIA EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIRLY GOOD FAIR
ACCURACY (10) (8) (6) (5) (4)
(10) Exemplary Demonstrate ability Basic ability Basic ability No
understanding of to effectively create shown with minor shown with performance
the drawing. All drawing. All errors present. major errors
drawing elements necessary present.
are accurate and drawing elements
precise- no are evident.
mistake.
CREATIVITY (10) (8) (6) (5) (4)
(10) The artwork was With little more The student The student No
beautiful and effort, the work showed average showed below performance
patiently done; it could have been craftsmanship average
was as good as outstanding; lacks adequate, but not craftsmanship;
hard work could the finish touches. as good as it lack of pride in
make it. could have been. finished work.

NEATNESS (5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

(5) Completed Completed Completed Poor layout on No
  drawing is drawing with drawing is not the paper. performance
exceptionally minimal errors in neatly done.
neat. following
- Follow all guidelines for
guidelines for drawing neatness.
drawing
neatness.