Easy and Effective Learn-to Drawing Technique: Seeing and Drawing Negative Space

Drawing Negative Space - this simple yet effective learn-to drawing technique helps train your eyes to see the 3d world in a 2d way.

Watch the Negative Space Video

Simply put, drawing is the translation of 3d space onto a 2d surface. Unless you understand how to "see" the 3d world in a 2d way, drawing can be a frustrating process. Understanding how negative space works is an essential learn-to drawing technique.

Negative space can be defined as the spaces between and surrounding an object or group of objects. Anything that is NOT part of an object is a negative space.

Why draw negative spaces?

• Negative Space drawing exercises teach you to see and draw 3d objects as 2d shapes.

• Drawing the negative spaces can help you place objects on your page correctly by paying attention to their spacing.

• Most importantly, it's a right brain drawing exercise!

Let me explain that last point. Often, what keeps us from being able to draw accurately is our inability to "see" the simplicity of the 2d shapes created by 3d objects.

The spaces between the frames become the
negative spaces.

(below) A simple tea-pot handle makes a great negative space shape.

Notice how the negative space changes shape
when we look at it from a different vantage point.

In the example to the right, the shadow has been included as part of the "object".

Drawing Supplies:
All you need is pencil (or pen) and paper. Eraser and range of pencils are optional.

(below) The blue areas clearly define the negative spaces within, between and surrounding the still life.

You can compare shapes to each other to find their correct placement on the page.

Begin with a lighter pencil and make corrections as you go.

Once you are happy with your drawing, you can go over the lighter pencil with a darker pencil or fine tip marker to make it stand out.

Watch this simple yet effective learn-to drawing technique in action: Negative Space Video