Shape is an enclosed space defined by other elements of art.

When a line crosses itself or intersects with other lines to enclose a space it creates a shape.

Shape is two-dimensional it has height and width but no depth. In painting or drawing, shapes may appear to be solid, three-dimensional objects even though they have only two dimensions (length and width). The two-dimensional characteristics of a shape, distinguish it from form, which has three dimensions (depth + length + width).

Geometric Shapes-Circles, Squares, rectangles and triangles. We see them in architecture and manufactured items. These can be defined in mathematical terms.

Organic Shapes-Leaf, seashells, flowers. These shapes are not regular or even. Their edges are curved, angular, or a combination of both. We see them in nature and with characteristics that are free flowing, informal and irregular.

Form is the three-dimensionality of an object. Shape is only two-dimensional; form is three-dimensional.

You can hold a form; walk around a form and in some cases walk inside a form. In drawing or painting using value can imply form. Shading a circle in a certain manner can turn it into a sphere.

Forms can be geometric such as spheres and pyramids, these forms can be defined by math. Forms can also be organic such as animals and plants.

* special thanks to student Colin Quarello who helped Mr. Myers design and build this website.