How to Show Form As an Element of Art in a Painting
- 1). Draw or paint a two-dimensional version of the form. This should give you an idea of the location; for example, a teddy bear on the floor in front of a door. The wall and door are backdrop and may even be two-dimensional, but the bear, as the visual center or "object" of the painting, should become three-dimensional in this context. An "object" can also be a person or animal, it simply means the center of attention.
- 2). Discover the light source within the painting. Is there an open door, a lamp or a window? What direction is the light coming from? Use this info to find what parts of the object should be highlighted and which will fall in the shadows.
- 3). Use a color or shade scale to paint the object. Your object should naturally take on a three-dimensional form as you shadow it in.
- 4). Paint the background, keeping the form in mind. Remember that objects cast shadows and occupy space. A person on a bed has weight and dents the pillows while casting a shadow on the comforter or wall. Don't forget these tiny details, since they will determine how successful your use of form in painting will be.