Positive Space: The subject, objects or focus of an artwork Negative Space: The area around the subjects, objects or focus In the photo to the right, the trees are positive space and the sky is negative space How do artist use negative and positive space? 1. To create interesting compositions 2. To check the accuracy of their drawings 3. To create balance in their artwork Symmetrical Balance: The work is the same on either side of the center (mirror image) Asymmetrical Balance: The work is different on either side of the center with both sides seeming to equally important How symmetry works in composition 1. Symmetrical is easy but is sometimes less interesting or boring 2. Asymmetrical is harder to achieve but makes a more interesting composition. 3. Unbalanced works make the viewer uncomfortable |