Teaching article
The empty spaces change when the paper shapes move
Compare the placed shape with the surrounding empty area.
Arrange a few large cutouts on a contrasting sheet, then look between and around them. Moving one piece changes more than its own position: it also reshapes the unoccupied areas of the composition.
Moving one shape changes the gap between neighbouring forms.
Look at the gaps as shapes
Look at the gaps as shapes in their own right. Rearranging the placed pieces changes the surrounding composition at the same time.
Arrange shapes. Trace surrounding spaces. Compare both views.
Empty space remains part of the composition.
Which gap changed? Use high-contrast paper.
Resources
- Free Elements of Art Worksheet for Kids – Shape, Line, Color, Value, Space, Form & Texture — Use the element vocabulary as a reference while children make their own visual choices.
Further reading
Read next
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- A collage decision happens before the glue
- Emphasis can come from removing competition
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