Shape/Form

Shape and form define objects in space. Shapes have two dimensions–height and width–and are usually defined by lines. Forms exist in three dimensions, with height, width, and depth.

Shape has only height and width. Shape is usually, though not always, defined by line, which can provide its contour. Shapes are flat.

Geometric shapes and forms include mathematical, named shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, and cones. Geometric shapes and forms are often man-made. However, many natural forms also have geometric shapes.

Kaleidoscopic Artwork by Andy Gilmore

Organic shapes and forms are typically irregular or asymmetrical. Organic shapes are often found in nature, but man-made shapes can also imitate organic forms.

Zebras by Victor Vasarely 1938

Forms and shapes can be thought of as positive or negative. In a two dimensional composition, the objects constitute the positive forms, while the background is the negative space.

Form has depth as well as width and height. Three-dimensional form is the basis of sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts. Three-dimensional forms can be seen from more than one side.

A form is three dimensional it has height, width and thickness. Because sculptures are by nature space occupying and three dimensional, they are forms. While less knowledgeable viewers may refer to sculptures as having shape, in reality, they have form.There are two types of forms:

(1) geometric forms, or forms with names, such as spheres, cubes, cylinders, cones, and pyramids.