Whether you appreciate certain architectural designs or avant-garde art pieces you encounter on your way to work, art evokes emotions within you due to its creative use of shapes and colors.
The minimal and strategic use of art makes it stand out and call out to you. If you are thinking of doing a DIY art project or thinking of ways to elevate a certain design, you can implement geometric shapes. Geometric shapes enhance any type of art.
From basic cubism to absurdism, geometric shapes can effectively make any object look more visually appealing. This article will discuss the basics of geometric shapes and how to use them innovatively in designs.
Geometric Shapes: What Do They Mean in Art?
Regular shapes that are also precise, such as triangles and squares, are geometric shapes. They are frequently present in man-made objects. For instance, most tables are rectangular and most cardboard boxes are in squares or cubes.
On the other hand, the shape of most natural elements is not so defined. They are often biomorphic. For instance, the shape of a leaf or a cloud is not regular or defined. Biomorphic shapes are irregular and rounded, very different from geometric shapes.
Bio means life, and morphic means form, so you could say biomorphic means shape of life. When we mention geometric shapes, the first shapes that come to everyone’s minds are triangles, circles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, and so on.
Since we have started seeing and drawing these basic shapes from childhood, they are quite familiar to us. This familiarity makes us feel comfortable and makes us more driven to implement them. For getting some inspiration, you can browse through niche, insightful sites like a geometrical art blog.
The Meaning Behind Different Geometrical Shapes
There are certain subliminal meanings to each shape. The meaning roots from different cultures and practices. For instance, when we see a red octagon, we automatically think of the STOP traffic sign. Human beings understand and express through shape before they grasp language.
You can convey certain messages simply by implementing geometric shapes in your design. A summary of meanings of some common geometric shapes are discussed in the following:
Squares and Rectangles
These shapes convey a sense of stability and serenity. The defined corners and angles are in mathematical order. Such orderliness gives us a sense of control and security. When you draw a house, you normally start drawing that house with a square. We are innately drawn to comfort.
To add more dimension and be visually appealing, attempt pixelated art where numerous smaller squares make up a large complete drawing. Making such creations can be considered a therapeutic craft.
Circles
There is no beginning or an end of a full circle, so this shape depicts continuity. In every illustration of many instances of folklore, celestial objects like the sun and moon are drawn in circles. Since the sun and moon are round, the circle shape depicts warmth and wholesomeness.
Triangles
Triangles are unique. When held or seen from different angles, it gives different meanings and perspectives. It depicts stability when the apex is facing upwards. If the peak is pointing downwards, then it conveys a negative nuance or conflict. It also can symbolize movement as it looks similar to an arrowhead. The play button on your phone or any digital device is a triangle, symbolizing the initial of a movement.
A combination of small triangles also portrays harmony and unity. Implementing small triangles together in different colors can form a beautiful and captivating mosaic art.
Pentagons, Hexagons, and Octagons
These complex yet defined geometric shapes can take the whole design to the next level. They give a more sleek and professional feel. They are implemented in eye-catching yet minimal designs for infographics, puzzles, and architecture. They depict the intricateness of any aspect.
For instance, the structural molecular formula of many chemicals is depicted in polygons like hexagons. They portray functionality and complexity.
Tips for Mixing and Matching Different Geometric Shapes.
To come up with an aesthetically pleasing design or framework, you need to consider a few features.
Combination of Color and Shape
There is already a defined nuance in the combination of some shapes and colors. For insurance, a yellow circle depicts the sun, but a red circle of the same size can depict a fruit like a tomato.
Shapes and colors can be considered accessories and variables in most cases. You need to ensure that both the shape and color match your intention, complementing each other.
Using Shapes for Adding Details
You can also use various shapes to add more details. For instance, to draw a house, you first draw a square, then you add a triangle on the top to make a roof, then you add a smaller rectangle on the square to make a door, and so on.
Add the same shapes of the same color to create a larger picture. For instance, you can draw small green circles together and complete a drawing of grapes. There are numerous possibilities that you can enjoy experimenting with.
Use a combination of shapes and form an enthralling collage. Whatever you do, do not hesitate to play and experiment with them until you are satisfied with your composition.
Using Squares and Rectangles for Bases
As an artist, it is a good idea to use squares and rectangles as the base of a composition. It helps you bring balance to your entire piece of art. The rule of thirds is an essential design rule that most artists adhere to. The rectangular grid lines as a guide are used to create control and balance in this regulation.
Graphic designers use grids for ensuring the great quality of the composition. Architects use it for accurate measurements, dimensions, and symmetry. The “Rule of Thirds” is an essential design rule that most artists adhere to. The rectangular grid lines as a guide are used to create control and balance in this regulation.
The human eye naturally moves in a certain direction from object to object, and this grid ensures that all the elements of your work fall in the vision field. The most vital areas are the intersecting points that start on the top left corner and then move downwards or to the right side. The intersection point at the bottom right corner grabs the least attention and is often inconspicuous.
Final Words
Geometric shapes are profound as they are very familiar, and there are many ways to implement them. You can use them as different components or as guidance. Use them strategically to achieve overall balance in your artwork.
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