The biggest mistake artists make is to concentrate only on the positive space, the objects which define the painting. Negative space gives the connection between objects — if the negative space is greater than the positive then objects are distant to each other. If spaces are enclosed, they cleanly define objects, if they are open, they allow a flow from one object to another.” –Alistair Boddy-Evans, The Elements of Art
The previous tutorial covered a general overview of the Pattern Composition and eight variations. This art design tutorial describes the Negative Positive Compositional Device plus all the variations.
Negative Positive Composition
Negative Positive composition in graphic design refers to deliberately using negative space (or white space) as a key design element to balance the focal points and the surrounding empty areas.
This approach emphasizes the strategic placement of elements in “non-traditional” or unexpected positions within the composition, leveraging the empty areas to guide the viewer’s attention, evoke emotion, and enhance the overall visual impact.
Artistic and Emotional Impact
Visual Hierarchy
- Negative space guides the viewer’s eye, emphasizing the importance of the positioned elements.
- It allows for clarity by enabling elements to “breathe,” preventing clutter.
Tension and Energy
- Off-center or unusual placement of elements creates a sense of movement or dynamism.
- It challenges traditional symmetry, making the composition feel modern and engaging.
Focus and Elegance
- Negative Positive composition draws the viewer’s attention to key messages or imagery by isolating elements.
- This approach often feels refined and sophisticated, as it avoids visual noise.
Ambiguity and Mystery
- Leaving large areas of space unfilled can evoke curiosity, encouraging viewers to interpret the design and fill in the gaps mentally.
Variations of the Positive Negative Theme
In graphic design, compositional choice is a device that delivers the intent of the artistic piece’s creator. The eight primary devices are usually combined with a secondary or subordinate choice, as shown in the following examples.
Negative Positive One Dominant
The visual hierarchy, in this case, directs the eye to the One Dominant negative space in the center of the canvas.
Because the entire design features negative and positive elements that touch the boundaries of the composition, the central One Dominant element is subordinate.
Note that the One Dominant element is a central focal point in the example, but it doesn’t have to be, as long as its placement doesn’t touch the border.
Negative Positive Two Dominant
This example would fit the same description except that its secondary device is a Two Dominant example.
It’s a good example of an engaging graphic. The eye flows through the design repeatedly.
Imagine how a sticker design would be an eye-catching graphic rendered in any Negative Positive style.
Negative Positive Pattern
This combination has the potential to be playful. The example graphic is simplistic but offers a good foundation for exploring possibilities.
Refer back to The previous tutorial to compare Pattern Negative Positive to see how the primary and secondary devices can visually trade places!
Here, it’s easy to see that Negative Positive is primary. The various sizes of ovals build on the theme and add supportive elements.
Negative Positive – Negative Positive
This combination has great potential for complexity and simplicity. It’s like sandwiching two interchangeable visual statements together, yet one remains dominant.
Many artists who render modern and stylistic designs lean into this combination. It’s like visual candy for the eyes, sometimes demanding but always interesting.
Here is an additional black-and-white example. Each side sets up the Negative-Positive primary device. The man walking up the tonal stairs adds the secondary Negative-Positive device, yet without his silhouette, the image would not be so interesting.
Positive Negative Structure
Structure as a subordinate device often gives Negative Positive composition a sense of form and order.
The structured elements create a framework for exploring the relationships between the various negative and positive shapes.
Structural devices like repeated shapes, lines, or patterns can evoke rhythm or stability, while irregular or dynamic structures might suggest energy or chaos.
This simple example of Positive Negative primary with structure as a secondary device gives the eye a sense of form, order, and stability.
Negative Positive Movement
Simply creating a thick squiggling line through the Negative Positive composition that also features Negative Positive elements suggests movement as the secondary device.
Movement engages the eye and invites it to dance through or around the artwork. Movement can be mystical or profound, esoteric or natural.
Whatever the artwork’s intent, movement can be a perfect device to build interest.
Negative Positive Frame
Frame as a secondary device may or may not be rendered with a relationship between positive and negative space, but it must remain subordinate.
However, in this case, the frame feature is part of the consistent feel, using alternating light and dark tones and their playful engagement.
The framing device can be subtle if it serves a purpose, or it can also be a visual feature that creates interest for the viewer of the artwork.
Negative Positive Perspective
This is another very fun composition combination. It is often modern and a fantastic opportunity to play creatively with light, foreground, and background.
Remember that perspective doesn’t always need a foreground, middle ground, and background to appear like a traditional landscape.
An artist may render elements such as foreground trees stretching from the bottom to the top of the canvas, with the background elements peeking between the trees in the middle.
This last description sums up all eight composition descriptions of the variations of Negative Positive composition!
Art Play
What a fantastic opportunity to expand your art skills by adding examples of Negative Positive composition to your art reference journal. Combine collecting examples and rendering your own ideas. Remember, being an artist gives opportunity to redesign an idea over and over in variations! Learning is best when we set aside time to play and develop skill and understanding.
Downloadable Design Guide
The next tutorial covers variations for the next set of eight devices, and how all Structure Compositions are expressed.
To find links to every lesson, click > Art & Design Tutorial Table of Contents
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