Element of Art: SHAPE

📘 Introduction to Shape

As defined in Discovering Drawing (3rd edition) by Sallye Mahan-Cox, a shape is a two-dimensional area created when a line meets itself or another line.

There are two main categories of shape:

Geometric Shapes

Circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, and other regular forms

• Precise and structured

• Often described as man-made or mathematical

• Can suggest order, stability, control, or structure

Organic Shapes

Free-flowing, irregular shapes found in nature (leaves, clouds, shells)

• Natural and expressive

• Can suggest movement, growth, emotion, or individuality

Positive & Negative Shape

• Positive Shape (Figure): The main subject or object in a composition

• Negative Shape (Ground): The space around, between, or behind objects

Artists intentionally balance positive and negative shapes to create strong compositions.

❓ Essential Question

What types of shapes do artists use, and what ideas or emotions can shapes communicate?

🎥 Video Lesson: Shape

The Element of Shape

Shapes are two-dimensional areas created when a line meets itself or another line.

👉 Watch the video below and take notes:

📝 Notes & Sketchbook Task

While watching the video:

• Draw and label the different types of shapes

• Include geometric, organic, positive, and negative shapes

• For each type of shape, write what it can suggest or communicate

  • (Example: “Geometric shapes feel structured and controlled”)

Your notes should include both drawings and written observations.

✂️ Project: Shape Portrait (Representational or Abstract)

In this project, you will create a portrait using only shapes and color. You may choose one of two approaches:

• Option A: Representational Shape Self-Portrait

• Option B: Abstract Shape Portrait (Non-literal)

Both options require intentional use of shape, color, and composition to communicate identity, mood, or personality.

This is not about realism — it is about visual decision-making.

🧰 Materials

• Assorted construction paper scraps

• One full sheet of construction paper (background)

• Scissors

• Glue stick

• Small mirror (optional, for Option A)

🎨 OPTION A: Representational Shape Self-Portrait

Create a stylized self-portrait using cut paper shapes instead of drawing.

Steps

1. Face Structure

   • Choose a paper color that represents your skin tone

   • Cut a face shape (oval, circle, or custom)

   • Add a neck using rectangular or elongated shapes

2. Hair Using Shape

   • Use strips, curves, or angular shapes to represent your hairstyle

   • Consider whether your hair is best shown with organic or geometric shapes

3. Facial Features

   • Eyes, nose, and mouth should be simplified into shapes

   • Focus on style and expression rather than realism

4. Personal Details

   • Add glasses, jewelry, freckles, piercings, or accessories

   • Use repetition and scale to create visual interest

5. Clothing & Background

   • Design clothing using larger shapes

   • Add background shapes that reflect interests, mood, or identity

   • Pay attention to negative space

🎨 OPTION B: Abstract Shape Portrait (Optional)

Instead of showing your face literally, you will create an abstract portrait that represents who you are through color, shape, and composition.

Your portrait should still feel intentional and expressive, not random.

Guidelines

• Use geometric and/or organic shapes to represent:

  • Personality traits

  • Emotions

  • Energy, mood, or identity

• Color choices should be symbolic, not arbitrary

• Shapes may overlap, repeat, grow, or fragment

• There does not need to be a face, eyes, or body

Examples of Visual Thinking

• Sharp geometric shapes → structure, control, tension

• Soft organic shapes → calm, vulnerability, growth

• High contrast colors → conflict, energy, boldness

• Repetition → habits, routines, or persistence

🧠 Planning Requirement (Both Options)

Before gluing:

• Sketch at least one composition

• Write 2–3 sentences explaining:

  • Your choice of option

  • What your shapes and colors represent

Planning will be checked before final assembly.

Shape Project Plan - Google Docs.pdf

Download PDF • 117KB

🎤 Reflection & Sharing

Be prepared to discuss:

• Why did you choose representational or abstract

• How your use of shape communicates meaning

• How positive and negative space affect your composition

⚠️ Important Reminder

Abstract does not mean careless. Both options will be graded using the same rubric and are held to the same expectations for intentionality, craftsmanship, and effort.

Rubric

Criteria	4 – Exceeds Expectations	3 – Meets Expectations	2 – Below Expectations	1 – Far Below Expectations
Use of Shape	Demonstrates exceptional understanding of geometric, organic, positive, and negative shapes. Shapes are intentionally selected to communicate meaning and personality.	Demonstrates clear understanding of different types of shape. Most shapes are intentional and appropriate to the subject.	Limited variety of shapes used or shapes feel repetitive or randomly chosen.	Little to no understanding of shape types; shapes are careless or incomplete.
Composition & Design	Composition is visually balanced and engaging. Strong awareness of positive and negative space enhances the portrait.	Composition is clear and organized. Positive and negative space are mostly considered.	Composition feels crowded, unbalanced, or underdeveloped. Limited consideration of space.	Composition lacks structure; portrait is incomplete or poorly arranged.
Creativity & Personal Expression	Portrait strongly communicates identity, personality, or mood through thoughtful details and symbolic choices.	Portrait includes personal details that reflect the student’s identity or style.	Few personal details included; expression feels surface-level or unclear.	No attempt at personal expression or individualization.
Craftsmanship & Effort	Shapes are cleanly cut, carefully glued, and thoughtfully layered. Work shows outstanding effort and attention to detail.	Shapes are mostly clean and secure. Work shows consistent effort.	Messy cutting or gluing; rushed or uneven effort is visible.	Poor craftsmanship; incomplete, torn, or careless construction.
Completion & Focus	All requirements met and exceeded; student remained focused and used class time productively.	All project requirements met; student stayed on task.	Some requirements missing; student struggled with focus or time management.	Project incomplete; minimal effort or off-task behavior.