The Art Bite Series continues with SHAPE
The round and/or oval shapes use mostly curving lines, and are thus a
comfort shape. Think of a child seeing its mother's face. Squares and
rectangles use straight lines and harsh angles so they stop movement
and suggest power or maybe danger.
Another important shape is the triangle. Because the base of a triangle
is so broad it would be difficult to tip, so the triangle is a power
shape and it represents stability as well. As well as these messages,
the shape focuses the eye. When confronted by a triangular shape, the
human eye focuses first at the apex. Of course, the upside down triangular
shape is just the opposite -- no triangle can stand on its apex, so this
message is instability, change, or action
Round/Oval Shapes indicate comfort
Round/Oval Shape Example
The round or oval shape use mostly curving
lines and provide a comfortable image to view. Note the round/oval
faces and the curving line (indicating a circle) at the edge
of the lace (outlined in red) covering the baby cradle. This
1872 painting entitled "The Cradle" by the French impressionist
- Berthe Morisot - provides a pleasant viewing experience.
Square/Rectangular Shapes stop movement
Square/Rectangle Shape
Example
Squares and rectangles use straight lines
and harsh angles to stop movement and suggest power or danger.
This shape also can be used to draw your attention to a specific
object in the painting. Your eyes focus on the beer mug because
your view is stopped by the square table outlined in red. This
painting entitled "Still Life With A Beer Mug" was
painted in 1921-22 by the French cubist - Leger.
Triangular Shape show stability
Triangular Shape Example
One of the most famous paintings by Leonardo
da Vinci is a perfect example of the stability resulting form
a triangular based shape. Note how your eyes are drawn to the
apex of the triangle - the face. The 16th century painting "Mona
Lisa" also uses a thick base to the triangle (the crossed
arms) to strengthen the stability of the triangle and provide
the viewer with a strong image.
So the next time you look at art, take a look at the shapes. These
shapes have a story to tell and will heighten your enjoyment of the art.
