Ms.Kane's: Studio Art Course: Observing Positive and Negative Space

"Good composition is like a suspension bridge; each line adds strength and takes none away... Making lines run into each other is not composition. There must be motive for the connection. Get the art of controlling the observer – that is composition." -Robert Henri

Task: While carefully observing and recording their organic subject matter (plants), Art Students are asked to select the areas they feel create the most compelling composition using the + and - space of the plant to create balance, rhythm and emphasis through out their page.

Art Students will...
1. Carefully trace the negative spaces on plexi with a dry erase marker.
2. Select the most dynamic compositions on the plexi using the principals.
3. Create alternative thumbnail sketches of compositions in their sketchbooks.
4. Select and perfect their strongest compositions.
5. Enlarge their strongest composition of + and - space.
6. Observe and include details within their contour.
7. Apply water color techniques over the entire surface of the paper.
8. Create a graphic painting through the contrast of value in the + or -space.

Current +/- Space Art Paintings
From period 1