3D and 2D Shapes: Forms and Volume

3D vs. 2D Shapes

• 2D shapes are defined by width and length.
• 3D shapes include length, width, and height.

Key Terms

• Form describes the 3D design or physical representation of an idea.
• Volume refers to the empty 3D space
• Mass is solid form or weight.
• Content embodies the idea, subject matter, and emotional impact of the artwork.
• Positive form is the portion of the artwork occupying space.
• Negative form/space denotes empty space or the background.
• Organic forms are natural, irregular, flowing, and unpredictable, creating a calming effect..
• Geometric forms are human-made, with sharp edges, such as crystals.
• Static forms do not move and are long-lasting.
• Dynamic forms imply movement without actually moving
• Kinetic forms actually move.
• Function is how a form serves its purpose.
• Isometric drawing visually represents 3D objects in two dimensions.
• Elements of design include line, shape, form, space, texture, value, and color.

Projection & Sculpture Types

• Orthographic projection uses parallel lines to define structural details from different views.
• Orthographic projection can represent 3D in top, bottom, front, right, left, and side views.
• Relief sculpture projects from a wall, not fully 3D
• Three-quarter works are more 3D but remain attached to a wall.
• Freestanding works are "in the round," inviting viewers to walk around them.

Environmental & Installation Art

• Environmental works are interactive outdoor spaces.
• Installation art transforms a space through large-scale, three-dimensional, interactive installations.
• Environmental work is exclusively outdoors using natural materials, whereas installations vary.
• Earthworks are large-scale outdoor installations.
• Site-specific artwork is designed for a particular place.

Basic Design Elements

• Point: A dot or basic mark.
• Line: a series of adjacent points, a connection between points, or a point in motion.
• Line Quality: horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines.
• Horizontal lines embody stability, calm, and peace.
• Diagonal lines: used to suggest movement.
• Vertical lines: represent height, grandeur, and scale.
• Line continuity increases movement and accentuates form.
• Actual lines are clear and defined, connecting or dividing a design.
• Implied lines create a sense of motion that keeps the viewer engaged.

Planes & Forms

• Plane: A 3D surface with minimal thickness, having length and width.
• Vertices: Points where two lines meet.
• Edges: The lines where two planes meet.
• Mechanical forms include belts and gears, which suggest industrial forms.
• Orientation: A line's position.

Space & Its Role in Design

• Space: The absence of form, area around, within, or through a form.
• Positive space: The filled space (object).
• Negative space: Empty space, open areas, or background.
• Compression: Tension and density.
• Expansion: Openness and freedom.
• Activated space: An energized and visually engaging area.
• Entering space: A physical or visual area that invites interaction.

Texture & Light

• Texture is the visual or tactile quality of a form and its surface.
• Light enhances or obscures the understanding of form.
• Ambient light illuminates an entire space.
• Directed light is focused and localized.

Color & Time

• Color includes hue, value, intensity, and temperature.
• Color harmony: Colors that complement each other.
• Actual time is the location and period of an event.
• Implied time refers to suggested events, locations, or durations.

Unity & Variety in Design

• Unity: Elements that work well together.
• Variety: Differences between elements.
• Grouping: Connecting separate elements.
• Containment is a unifying force created by a boundary.
• Proximity: Distance between elements that creates unity.
• Continuity: Fluid connection among elements.
• Repetition: Repeating elements.
• Closure: The mind connecting elements to perceive a complete form.
• Variety can be enhanced by line variation, texture, pattern, color, or grid.

Balance & Composition

• Balance: Distribution of weight in a design.
• Symmetrical balance: Both sides are the same.
• Radial symmetry: Elements arranged around a central element.
• Asymmetrical balance: Different elements that are still visually balanced.
• Scale: The overall size of an object.
• Proportion: Size relationship between different elements.
• Contrast: Difference between elements that creates excitement.
• Emphasis: A certain part stands out and grabs attention.
• Emphasis by isolation: Placing an element apart from others.
• Rhythm: Visual movement created by repeating elements.

Material Considerations in Design

• Consider strength, workability, durability, weight, cost, toxicity, and function when choosing materials.
• Increased strength: Achieved via distribution of force, composite materials, and structural design.
• Compression is what happens when pushing materials inward.
• Tension occurs by pulling material outward.
• Bending: Applying direct pressure at one point.
• Torsion: Twisting motion.
• Shear: Applying a force in opposite directions.

Construction Methods

• Additive construction: Adding elements.
• Assembly, includes modeling .
• Molding involves using heat.
• Subtractive construction: Removing materials.
• Solidification: Pouring liquid into a mold.
• Displacement: Forcing solid material into a form.

Connections & Transitions

• Visual connection Unifying surfaces through implied links.
• Physical connection: Increases strength and flexibility.
• Types of physical connections: Contact, junctions, joints.
• Transition occurs by moving from one point to another.
• Abrupt transition: Sudden change.
• Gentle/fluid transition: Gradual, sequential change.

Material & Media Use in Art

• Ephemeral material: used for temporary art pieces, present for a specific time
• Mixed media More than one material in an art piece.
• Grid - structured framework of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines used for alignment
• Matrix- structured arrangement or framework that serves as a base for design, often referring to a grid-like system used for composition.
• 4 Properties of Color- key characteristics of color
• Hue: The name of a color.
• Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.
• Intensity: The brightness or dullness of a color.
• Temperature: The perceived warmth (reds, oranges) or coolness (blues, greens) of a color.
• Emotions of Color: psychological and emotional responses associated with different colors
• Warm colors (red, orange, yellow): Energy, excitment, passion.
• Cool colors (blue, green, purple): Calm. tranquility, sadness
• Neutral colors (black, white, gray, brown): Balance, sophistication, stability
• Traditional/Transformative materials are the historically used art materials.
• Stone :A durable material often carved or shaped for artistic and structural purposes.
• Clay - A malleable material used for sculpture.
• M etals- used in casting
• Wood- used for carving and construction
• Glass- transparent, used in sculpture and design
• Fibers -natural and synthetic, used in textile art
• Plastics- Synthetic materials that can be molded