Figure ground relationships refer to how an object or shape (the figure) can be distinguished from its surrounding environment or space (the ground). Traditionally, the figure is considered the positive shape that stands out, while the ground is the negative space around it. However, figure and ground can swap depending on the viewer's focus. Recognizing negative space helps identify the relationships between objects in a drawing. Creating a viewfinder establishes the edges of the picture plane and relationships between figures within.

1. Figure Ground relationships in drawing

2. FIVE ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR DRAWING
1) identify edges,
2) recognize spaces,
3) calculate proportions and angles,
4) judge light from shadow, and
5) the unconscious skill of "pulling it all together".

3. Lines create shapes
Positive and negative
Also known as “figure” and “ground”

4. Figure-Ground

5. Figure/Ground
Traditionally, we refer to the identifiable shape as the figure (positive space)
and the surrounding area as the ground (negative space).

6. Figure: what stands out as an object
(subject) in a visual field or frame.
May be thought of as the POSITIVE
Ground: background or that which surrounds
an object.
May be though of as the NEGATIVE space).
Figure and ground can be interchangeable, depending on our focus and
interest.

7. FIGURE
• A shape on a background.

8. GROUND
• A background on which marks, shapes, or
figures are placed.

9. Figure/Ground Reversal
In this illustration of figure ground ambiguity, the viewer can
choose to see either the faces or the cup, but not both at once.

11. FIVE ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR DRAWING
1) identify edges,
2) recognize spaces,
3) calculate proportions and angles,
4) judge light from shadow, and
5) the unconscious skill of "pulling it all together".

12. Negative space can be used to find
the relationships between figures
within a drawing.

13. Notice the
shapes
between
the objects.

20. Creating a viewfinder can help establish the relationships
between objects and the edges of your picture plane.

21. EXAMPLES OF STUDENT
NEGATIVE SPACE DRAWINGS

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