Positive and Negative Space

Lesson Plan
Does a negative space have shape? In this exercise,
the students will explore the relationship between
positive and negative space. After all, one can't exist
without the other.
Grade Levels
Elementary through Junior High
Time Required
One class period (45 - 60 minutes)
Lesson Objectives
To develop promote an awareness of shape and
space. Students will create an original visual image
using colored construction paper that will demonstrate
that all spaces within a work of art have their own
unique shapes.
Procedure
Space and shape, two of the elements of design, work
together to form a finished work of art. There are two
kinds of space: positive and negative. Positive spaces
are those occupied by the main subjects of the work.
The Negative spaces are the areas around and behind
the positive spaces. Negative space can also be
referred to as the background.
It is no mystery that the shapes of positive spaces are
determined by the shapes of the main subjects of the
work. However, negative spaces have shapes as well.
If one removes the subjects from a work, the negative
spaces are left with a blank in the shapes of the parts
removed. Therefore, the shapes of the negative
spaces are determined by the shapes of the positive
spaces.

1. Select one color of construction paper and

cut to 9" 6". Distribute one color of 9"
12" and the contrasting color of 9" 6"
construction paper to each student.
2. Using the half sheet (9" 6"), students

draw and carefully cut out half of a picture

or design along the 9" length.
3. The full sheet (9" 12") can be folded in
half along the 9" length to determine the
center of the sheet. The parts cut from the
half sheet are arranged along the fold
forming half the design. The remaining
parts are placed on the opposite side of the
full sheet in locations opposite those from
which they were cut. Glue the parts down.
4. The final project will have a positive image
on one side of the full sheet and a negative
image on the other.
5. An optional approach would be to "hinge"
everything down the center using
transparent tape. This will produce an
image that is at first simply two contrasting
vertical rectangles. When the design is
"opened" the positive-negative images
appear.
In summary, the images can be as simple or as
complex as the age level of the students will allow.
Positive-negative images are interesting in that nothing
is wasted. Everything that is cut from one side is used
on the other. The resulting visual images are
challenging and stimulate the imagination of students.
Assessment
Teacher reviews each student's work to verify that
each project meets with the minimum lesson
requirements.

1. All shapes have been placed

symmetrically.
2. Check craftsmanship, quality and neatness
of line and fill.
Extended Lesson
If time permits, or if an additional day of discussion is
available, experiment with different colors and shapes.
Once may not be enough for this project, it will
stimulate their imagination, and they'll want more!