Art Lesson, #3                                     “SPACE”

The 6 elements of design created by God are: value, color, space, shape, line and texture. We have already discussed value and color in previous articles (see archives).  Once these principles are understood and practiced, anyone can enjoy art in their life, and ultimately appreciate the beauty of God all around them.

“And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. … Then God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear’, and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called the seas. And God saw that is was good.”  

Some interesting thoughts could be encouraged with the concept of space. It is not something we can touch. It simply exists because there are physical things which have a relational distance between them. But when God created space by dividing the waters from above with the waters below (calling the distance between them “heaven”) the size and scope of this space, or distance, was no “accident”.  Did you ever think about the perfection of the  spacial relationships of the planets, or earth to the sun? What would happen if there was a change in that relationship?  

Discuss what would happen if there were changes between the distance of various things God has created, like the atmosphere to the  earth. Consider the distance between man’s two eyes and how this aids in his vision. Some real interesting scientific learning can be gleaned from this idea of space.

Contemplating the concept of space and the fact that God purposed it is intriguing. God does nothing by accident or chance. Even “space”, or the distance between things, is designed with care and reason. So, too, should the artists in your “classroom” consider the reasons behind why they put the space, or distances, in the pictures they design.

On a 2-dimentional piece of paper, the illusion of space can be achieved in a number of ways. For a start, have the student simply observe and discuss various compositions by different artists. Notice and compare:

1.     Object Sizes One to Another- Are they smaller, taller, wider thinner?

2.     Object Placements-Is one higher, lower, to the left, or to the right?

3.     Notice the 3 main areas of the composition : background, middle ground and foreground.

      Objects in the background appear smaller and dimmer in color. As things get closer, they appear larger and more defined.

4.     Objects that overlap appear closer to the viewer.

5.     Objects in the distance, such as trees, appear as a mass with no detail.

6.     Objects placed at the lower half of the paper give a feeling of heaviness, and appear closer than   those placed on the top.

7.     3-dimentional space can also be achieved by using tone and 1 and 2-pt. perspective.

8.     Consider the focal point, or point of emphasis. A centered placement creates a formal look.

Simple beginning exercises will help the student become more confident when doing a more complex composition. Take the observations listed above and try them out. Perhaps they may use the letters of their name as the objects. Graduate the sizes of the letters on different square pieces of paper, placing them in different areas like this:

                                        (1)

                                       (2)                                      

Try these simple exercises with other techniques like tone…  

or 2-pt perspective…curved…        

or shadows…  

Try placing one object behind another, using different colors or textures. The student will begin to feel more confident when they understand better how to achieve different spatial relationships before actually drawing or painting their “real” composition.

A “composition” is simply a “scene” or design which has more than a single object in it. Artists nay have only 2 objects, but anything more than one object is some kind of composition. Younger artists may feel more comfortable drawing 1 thing on paper such as a flower or an animal, but as they become more comfortable with art in general, they will enjoy creating an overall design which brings out more of what they are feeling.

A composition may create a happy mood with bold, bright colors, or a soft, warm feeling with more subtle tones and softer textures. They can also create a nostalgic feeling with no colors but black, white and grays.

Another way to create an interesting use of space is to let the student view things through a huge bubble. Notice how the shapes are distorted. Try getting that image on paper. Don’t rush! This study of “space” may take weeks. Enjoy it! It’s fun to experiment with different  techniques to create space! 

Questions or comments? Contact Mrs. Jane Carol Raymond at Jane@hisglory.us

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