Art as Illusion: Negative Space

January 13, 2025  •  Leave a Comment

Artist-painters live in a self-made illusion created on a two dimensional surface. It is a medium that often sets artists free of normal conventions to study, feel and explore the imagination.

An important factor in the painting artform is negative space. Negative space, also known as whitespace, is the "empty" space around and between the subject of an image or design.

To a painter this no-thing is a positive addition (subtraction?) to a painting. Human beings need their vision to rest in a no-thing space in order to better see the artists point of view. The subject within the artwork usually needs "breathing space" for the viewer to focus more easily on the artist's subject.

Negative space can improve the "rhythm" of an artwork, improving the overall composition.

Imagine counting to ten when you are frustrated about something or angry. This pause can give you the opportunity to evaluate the situation and relax somewhat. However, with a painting we don't need a ten count because we intuitively feel something is not right or out of balance. Paintings can be too busy and contain information the viewer cannot process logically.

Negative space creates a visual ten-count. I refer you to my painting of "Orange Tree" in the Fruit and Vegetable gallery as an example of the use of negative space.

Not all paintings have or need negative space, depending on the artist's intention. Experimenting with the use of canvas space can yield surprising visual results.

I am available for online one-on-one art lessons. Please click on ART LESSONS on the home page for more information. 
 

Peace and love. Russ Myers     

myersbrothersart.com
 


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