Positive And Negative Space Bicycles

Learning Targets

I can...

•  Create an original Positive And Negative Space Bicycles using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use neutral colors (black, white, grey), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form) and space (positive negative) inspired by Notan Light And Dark Designs
• Use drawing techniques (contour, outline, observational) and design principles (composition, gradation, repetition) based on Japanese Art
• Define Ambiguous Space (illusion of both positive and negative space from a viewers perspective)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. The Wolf King (2020) Dan Burgess

2. Read Notan: The Dark-Light Principle of Design by Dorr Bothwell and Maryls Mayfield

3. Discussion Questions "What is negative space? How might focusing on it be used as a strategy for observational drawing? What about this small space? Is the space positive or negative? What is a negative space drawing? What might it look like? What is shaded in? What is staying white? How is drawing negative space related to drawing contour lines? Is the black part of the picture positive or negative? What is the main object of this positive and negative space artwork? Does anyone want to share where the positive and negative space in this image? Where is the positive space in both drawings? Where is the negative space in both drawings? What is the relationships to the number of liens it look to draw your object to the number of negative space? Did you draw more lines than needed?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use neutral colors (black grey white) to cut out different organic shapes for the bicycle drawings

2. Use white line types (thick, thin, curved, broken) to add patterns (stripes, wavy, dots) to the bicycle drawings

3. Use black line types (thick, thin, curved, broken) to add patterns (stripes, wavy, dots) to the Positive And Negative Space Bicycles

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Positive And Negative Space Bicycles for Assigned Tables

2. Standing Tall (2020) Dan Burgess

3. Discussion Questions "Which two colors are used in negative space photographs? What does it captivate, in terms of emotions, to the audience of negative space? What are the three basic elements of composition needed in drawing? What is positive space in art? Which is the difference between positive and negative space? Which is easier to understand between the two different spaces? Can space be both two-dimensional and three-dimensional? What is positive and negative space? Which do you think is more important the positive space or the negative space? Can you see all the hidden images in the designs below?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use neutral colors (black grey white) to fill in the negative space (background) of the bicycle drawings

2. Use neutral colors (black grey white) to fill in the positive space (silhouette) of the bicycle drawings

3. Use drawing techniques (blending, layering, overlapping) to add contrast to the composition of the Positive And Negative Space Bicycles 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Positive And Negative Space Bicycles for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (pencils, markers, sharpeners)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (reflective light, light source) to positive space (silhouettes) of bicycle drawings

2. Add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to negative space (background) of bicycle drawings

3. Add overlapping shapes (circles, ovals, round shapes, round cornered shapes) to positive space of Positive And Negative Space Bicycles 

Artist Examples

Student Examples