Using positive space in art means defining and focusing on the main subjects or areas of interest within your composition.
Understanding Positive Space
Positive space is a term used to refer to the areas of interest and focus in a piece of artwork. According to the definition, this is the area that draws the viewer's eye and contains the primary elements the artist wants to highlight.
- It is often the subject itself, such as:
- A figure in a portrait
- A building in a cityscape
- A specific object in a still life
- In abstract art, where there might not be a recognizable subject, shapes and patterns can become positive space.
Essentially, positive space is the 'stuff' of your artwork – the tangible forms, objects, or areas that occupy the canvas or frame.
Using Positive Space Effectively
Using positive space effectively involves consciously deciding what occupies this crucial area and how it relates to the surrounding negative space (the background or empty areas). Artists use positive space by:
- Placing the Subject: The most direct way to use positive space is to position your main subject or focal point within it.
- Defining Form: Positive space outlines the physical presence of objects and figures, giving them shape and volume.
- Creating Emphasis: By detailing or highlighting the positive space, artists can draw attention to specific elements.
- Controlling Composition: The size, shape, and arrangement of positive spaces significantly impact the overall balance and flow of the artwork.
Consider the interaction between positive and negative space. While positive space is the focus, the shape and amount of negative space around it are equally important in defining the positive space and guiding the viewer's eye through the composition.
Examples in Practice
Here are a few ways positive space manifests and is used:
- In Figure Drawing: The figure itself is the positive space, while the surrounding empty area is the negative space. The artist uses the positive space (the figure) to convey form, emotion, and action.
- In Still Life: The fruits, bowls, and tablecloth are the positive spaces. Their arrangement and detail constitute the artist's use of this space to create a balanced or dynamic composition.
- In Landscape: The mountains, trees, buildings, or bodies of water can be the positive space, depending on the focus. The artist uses the positive space to establish the scene and mood.
- In Abstract Art: Specific bold shapes, intricate patterns, or vibrant areas of color become the positive space. The artist uses these areas to create visual interest, movement, and harmony.
Comparing Positive and Negative Space
Understanding how to use positive space is inseparable from understanding its counterpart, negative space.
| Feature | Positive Space | Negative Space |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Area of focus, subject, shapes, patterns | Background, empty areas, space around objects |
| Function | Defines subjects, creates emphasis | Defines positive space, provides context, creates balance |
| Role in Art | The 'stuff' or forms | The 'absence' or voids |
By manipulating the positive space—changing its size, placement, or detail—an artist can dramatically alter the viewer's perception and the artwork's impact. Effective use of positive space ensures that the intended subjects or areas of interest are clearly communicated and effectively engage the viewer.
