What follows is to the best of my recollection.

Materials / Tools

This project was accomplished using the following:

• Sketchbook
• 18 x 24 inch Drawing Paper
• Charcoal Pencils
• Erasers

Process

In class practice included several negative space drawings. A grouping of three-dimensional objects was placed on a stand in front of the class. We were encouraged to study the spaces between the objects and then try to commit the shape of the empty spaces to paper. Once this was done, the drawn negative spaces would “reveal” a type of “shadow” of the three-dimensional objects. This was quite effective and accomplished the desired result.

The main component of the project was the Drawing from Under the Kitchen Sink. This was done at home and I worked from a seated position. I liked this eye-level perspective as it allowed me to see the objects under my sink straight on. I think this made for a more effective drawing as the negative shapes were not skewed due to an oblique angle. It think starting with the negative shapes helped to get the sizes, proportions and positions of the objects more easily rendered correctly – although erasures and re-drawing was required to achieved a suitable finished drawing.

Feedback

On balance, feedback on my Kitchen Sink drawing from the class and Professor Lisa was positive. One comment was giving concerning my inclusion of the cabinet opening and hinges. The only negative comment that I remember was given by Professor Lisa when she pointed out a curved shape that did not make sense considering the width of one of the bottles. This was great feedback and showed me how I can look right at something and not see a problem that is very apparent and obvious to someone else.

Some Learnings

This was my introduction to the concept of negative space drawing. Although it was perhaps hard to understand its importance to begin with, I now feel it is a great tool for starting a drawing. It allows an artist to more accurately render the shape, size and position of objects than just an outline would accomplish, providing a great foundation for the finished work.