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In this post, I will discuss what positive and negative space is and how you can use it to improve your paintings.
What is positive and negative space?
Positive space refers to areas where the subject is positioned. Negative space is the area surrounding the subject. Or in other words, positive space is the main focus area whilst negative space is the background.
For example, if you take a cloudscape, the clouds are the positive space and the blue sky is the negative space.
I have outlined the negative space below. Notice how the negative space forms these unique shapes. This is an important part of the overall composition. The area which is not outlined is the positive space.
However, this is assuming that the clouds are the main focus. Some of the time it is not clear what the main focus of the painting is.
Positive and negative space is inherently subjective. Some people may see one area as being a positive space, but others may see that same area as the negative space. This is because the way we all perceive the world varies from person to person. What I see may be completely different from what you see.
Positive And Negative Space Illusion
Several positive and negative space illusions have been developed to illustrate that our perception varies from person to person. Below is one of the most famous positive and negative space illusions:
Take right half of the above image and think about if you see:
a) A vase; or
b) Two faces.
My initial observation was a vase. To see the vase, my mind must assume the black area is the negative space and the white area is the positive space.
If you see the two faces, then you are assuming the white area is the negative space and the black area is the positive space.
On the left side, the vase is much more apparent due to the added detailing. You can still see the two faces, but you may need to change your focus.
The point is, positive and negative space is to some extent subjective. However, this illusion is an extreme demonstration of the differences in perception. Most of the time, the positive and negative space will be obvious and everyone will see the same thing.
For example, in the cloudscape painting earlier in this post, I think it is safe to assume almost everyone will see the clouds as the positive space.
Positive And Negative Space As A Composition Tool
Positive and negative space can form an important part of your overall composition. You can use positive and negative space to create a sense of balance and rhythm.
Balance
Balance is one of the basic principles of design and refers to how well all the elements are balanced with each other. There are no hard and fast rules to determine if a painting is balanced or not. It is usually just based on your own observation.
In terms of positive and negative space, a small area of busy positive space (when I say busy I mean there is a lot going on) can be just as powerful as a large area of quiet negative space.
In the painting below, the positive space would be the subjects in the center at the table. The negative space is the floor and wall. Notice how much area the positive space is taking up compared to the negative space. But it appears balanced, to me anyway. This is because the positive space is busy. There is more saturation in the colors, more contrast and more detail. The negative space on the other hand, is comparatively smooth, dull and less detailed.
Rhythm
Rhythm refers to the underlying "beat" of your painting, much like in music. Rhythm can be created through repetition, alternation and pattern.
You can use positive and negative space to create a sense of rhythm by:
- Using repetition and patterns in the shapes and intervals created by the positive and negative space.
- Alternating between positive and negative space in a rhythmic manner.
In the painting below by Claude Monet, notice the rhythm created by the alternating positive (boats and the cliffs) and negative space.
To be honest, I do not actively think about rhythm whilst I am painting. But it is always in the back of my head.
Interlinking Positive And Negative Space
An interesting technique which you can use to strengthen the design of your painting is to interlink the positive and negative space by using areas of matching value, hue or other elements.
For example, take a look at the painting below. The positive space is the subject in the center. The rest of the painting is the negative space. Childe Hassam interlinked the positive and negative space through the use of similar values and hues. The orange of the hair and the skin tones are a similar hue to the background. The hand is a similar value to the background.
Positive Space Is Not Always More Important Than Negative Space
Many people would assume that positive space is more important than negative space as it is the area which is in focus. But I think that is a flawed way of thinking about positive and negative space.
Positive and negative space exist together. There will pretty much always be areas in focus and areas which are not in focus. You should think about positive and negative space as a team rather than opposing forces.
In the painting below, I do not consider the negative space any less beautiful than the positive space (which I perceive to be the bridge, land and sun). The vast area of vibrating hues in the negative space is just as interesting as the small areas of positive space with high contrast. It is all nicely balanced.
Negative space does not need to be bland. It should by nature take the backseat, but you can use more subtle approaches to create a variance in the negative space such as subtle changes in hue within a narrow value range.
Anyway, I will leave you with some more beautiful paintings below. Observe the paintings and consider:
- Is positive and negative space a feature of the painting?
- Is the positive and negative space balanced?
- Is there any rhythm created by the positive and negative space?
- Are there any interlinks between the positive and negative space?
Want to Learn More?
You might be interested in my Painting Academy course. I go into more detail on composition and how to use it effectively in painting.
Thanks for Reading!
Feel free to share with friends. If you want more painting tips, check out my fundamentals course.
Happy painting!
Dan Scott
Draw Paint Academy
Linda Argenti says
Thanks, Dan. As you say, this is not always something you focus on directly, but perhaps something to consider from time to time as the painting progresses.
Francoise says
HI Dan, and thanks infinitly for these explications on positive and négative Space.
Also, for balance and rhythm that I did’nt how to réalise on my paintings.
Now, I think I can progress.
Julia Crilley says
Very interesting reading, I will think about this when composing my next painting, thankyou!
Gladys Martinez says
I like your writing composition. I found it very interesting. Thank you for sharing.
Noelene De Wet says
What an enjoyable article , especially as I am a beginner in painting with oils.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Noelene!
Jean says
I find something helpful in all of your articles, Thankyou.
Dan Scott says
That’s great to hear Jean! Dan
Ellen Kendall-Eyre says
Another great artitle Dan- especially the reminder that negative space plays an important role and how the degree of detail/saturation/value contrast can make the visual weight of a small area much more compelling. Your selected visuals are always so useful in clarifying your point. Thanks!
Dan Scott says
Thanks Ellen! Dan
Jill Leeton says
Thank you Dan,
I am thoroughly enjoying your Emails , and although just a beginner , I think I learning something from them .
Thank you so much again.
Dan Scott says
Great to hear Jill! Happy to be helping you out. Thanks, Dan
Josep Proenza says
Grà cies Dan
Veritablement els teus post m’han ensenyat molt
Dan Scott says
Happy to be able to help you out Josep! Thanks, Dan
Terry Cryan says
Not sure of myself to paint. Yet I am so much more interested after reading your emails.
Thank you for educating me on art! I so enjoy!
Dan Scott says
Happy to help Terry! Dan
Justin Belagamage says
Hi Dan, I am a student of painting as a hobby and relaxation. Using negative/positive space is something that continues to baffle me (and I know I am not alone in this). Your article has helped me, to some extent, clear some areas of my confusion. Thank you.
Dan Scott says
Glad to hear this Justin! Keep practicing and keep up the good work. Thanks, Dan
Robert Stowell says
Dan I really enjoyed your discussion about positive and negative spaces. I am retired just started watercolor about 4 years ago. I have found working with negative painting to be my cup of tea.
logo Desing says
This is very informative and useful post. Thanks for sharing!
Marianne Winter says
Dan,
I have been painting portraiture in pencil and pastel for the last 16 years. Have done several landscapes in pastel and oil. But felt the need to improve on my skills.
Your course is very helpful. Thank you for your wonderful method of teaching.
Marianne Winter
Mr PKambi says
Am a Primary School Teacher teaching without any resource until I find this path.
It’s really helpful.
Thanks much.