Figure and ground refer to the identifiable shape (figure) and surrounding area (ground) in a visual field. Traditionally, the figure is considered the positive space or object that stands out, while the ground is the negative space or background surrounding the object. However, figure and ground can be interchangeable depending on one's focus. Plumb lines, which are undeviating vertical lines, are often used in drawing to help find the relationships between figures by establishing alignments and using negative space between objects. Creating a viewfinder can also help with composition by establishing object relationships and edges of the picture plane.

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

3. Figure-Ground

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

5. 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 thought of as the NEGATIVE (negative
space).
Figure and ground can be interchangeable, depending on our focus and interest.

6. FIGURE
• A shape on a background.

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

12. 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.

14. Figure-ground
reversal

17. PLUMB LINES:
Finding the Figures in Drawing
In art, plumb lines are undeviating vertical
lines used as a reference when determining
alignment. They are often used in drawing the
human figure. This can be achieved by
hanging a piece of wire or string from the
ceiling so that it produces a line in front of
your subject, as demonstrated at left.

18. “plumb lines”

19. “plumb lines”

20. “plumb lines”

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

22. Notice the
shapes
between
the objects.

26. I>
•
•
..·'• .

29. 0

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

32. Creating a viewfinder can also help
You establish a better composition.