DEFINITION
a shape in 3-dimensions (width, length, depth)
EXTENDED DEFINITION
- Form describes volume and mass, or the three-dimensional aspects of objects that take up space.
- Forms can and should be viewed from many angles.
- When you hold a baseball, shoe, or small sculpture, you are aware of their curves, angles, indentations, extensions, and edges - their forms.
- KEY QUESTIONS:
- What technique is used by designers to create the illustion of 3D form on a 2D surface such as paper?
- What is a CAST SHADOW?
STUDY GUIDE & EXAMPLES
Elements of Art: Form | KQED Arts
Virtual Art Lesson - Form
FORM IN FINE ART
Francisco de Zurbaran - "Still Life with Pottery Jars", 1600s
Space can be felt in de Zurbaran's painting because of the overlapping of forms (two of the vessels and the saucers they sit on, and the table under all of them.) Shading creates three-dimensional forms out of shapes.
Source: Elements and Principles of Design: Student Guide with Activities, published by Crystal Productions
