Shape
Shape is an area that is contained within an implied line, or is seen and identified because of color or value changes.
Shapes have two dimensions, length and width, and can be geometric or free-form (organic).
Design in painting is basically the planned arrangement of shapes in a work of art.
Shape in Fine Art
Pablo Picasso - "Three Musicians", 1921
Picasso's painting is an abstract painting in which the three figures are simplified to an arrangement of flat shapes. Look for these shape varieties:
- Large, medium and small shapes
- Flat and patterned shapes
- Dark and light valued shapes
- Geometric and organic shapes
- Positive and negative shapes
- Outlined and unoutlined shapes
Source: Elements and Principles of Design: Student Guide with Activities, published by Crystal Productions
Shape in Graphic Design
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| Youth Violence Poster Joel Templin Templin Brink Design |
The union of unlikely combinations is probably the best way to create a concept. In this design, the hand combined with the dove creates an especially stark and powerful image. Had the images been more realistic, the poster would not have near the strength. What makes this poster great is the simplicity of the shapes.
Source: Design Basics for Creative Results by Bryan L. Peterson
