This worksheet is designed to teach the concept of
positive and negative space in art. Let's break down the task and explain how to solve it.
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🔍 Understanding the Concepts:
-
Positive Space: The area occupied by the main subject (in this case, the tree).
-
Negative Space: The empty areas around and between the subject (the background or surrounding space).
The worksheet shows two identical outlines of a bare tree, side by side, and asks you to treat each one differently:
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🎨 Instructions on the Worksheet:
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Left Tree:
> *"Pay attention to the positive space around this tree. Add texture, color and patterns on the positive space only. Make the negative space a solid color."*
✔ What to do:
- Focus on the
tree itself (the positive space).
-
Add details like bark texture, patterns, or colors
only on the tree.
- Leave the
background (negative space) as a
solid, single color (e.g., blue for sky, green for ground).
####
Right Tree:
> *"On this tree, only add texture, pattern and color to the negative space only. Make the positive space a solid opposite color."*
✔ What to do:
- Focus on the
space around the tree (negative space).
-
Add textures, patterns, and colors to the background (like clouds, stars, grass, etc.).
- The
tree itself (positive space) should be filled with a
solid color, different from the background (e.g., if background is blue, make the tree red or black).
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✔ How to Solve It Step-by-Step:
1.
Left Tree (Positive Space Emphasis):
- Use pencils, markers, or crayons to draw
bark lines, cracks, or wood grain on the tree.
- Color the
tree with various shades, patterns, or textures.
- Fill the
entire background with
one solid color (no patterns or details here).
2.
Right Tree (Negative Space Emphasis):
- Keep the
tree shape as a
solid color (e.g., dark gray or black).
- In the
background, create interesting designs:
- Clouds, stars, sun rays, rain, birds, or abstract shapes.
- Use patterns like stripes, dots, or waves in the negative space.
- This makes the
tree stand out as a silhouette.
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💡 Why This Exercise Matters:
- It teaches artists to
see beyond just objects — to notice the
empty space that defines them.
- Artists like M.C. Escher and Henri Matisse used negative space creatively.
- This helps develop
visual awareness and
composition skills.
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✔ Final Tip:
Think of it like a
silhouette vs. a
detailed portrait:
- Left tree = detailed object, plain background
- Right tree = plain object, detailed background
This contrast highlights how both spaces are equally important in art.
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Let me know if you'd like a visual example or coloring suggestions!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of art sub plans worksheet.
