Lesson 3
HOW TO SEE MORE ACCURATELY BY FOCUSING ON NEGATIVE SPACE
Sometimes when drawing an object our mind gets in the way of what we are really seeing. We draw what we think the object looks like instead of drawing the shapes that are there. One way to see how the shapes of the object relate to each other is to look at the negative spaces. Negative space is what is around, behind, or between the object. When we force our minds to focus on the negative spaces or empty spaces, it may take a while for the space to pop into focus. We are asking ourselves to look at nothing, the space that isn’t a thing. These n egative spaces create shapes of their own. To most easily see negative space, set up a subject against a wall so that there aren’t distractions or “things” in the background. These drawings are most fun when working with ink directly. Concentrate on working in the moment and do not be concerned with erasing or making corrections. Once you are ready to begin, paint the negative spaces. In this situation, the wall would be negative. Positive and negative spaces are focused on in this picture of a drum set. The asymmetry is from the top of the painting to the bottom. The large, negative space of black at the top is balanced by the smaller, black spot in the lower part of the picture. Try New Techniques
Draw a picture of the negative space around an object. There may be many of these negative shapes. Help your viewer see these shapes by filling in the areas. If you had fun with this method of drawing, do a second drawing with two objects and use ink for the most dramatic effect.
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