Often thought of as the “empty” space around an object, negative space is actually helpful to emphasis subjects, and it gives our eyes a place to rest and take it all in. But negative space drawings don’t have to be boring, in these 12 negative space drawing ideas we’re showing off just how interesting they are.
1. Train station
Image: @tf_wrks
Looking for some negative space drawing ideas? Head to a train station and sketch what you see. This could be a quick exercise or you could easily turn it into a masterpiece, either way it’s a great way to show negative space.
2. Shading
Image: @stella.antoniadou.artworks
Negative space doesn’t mean you need to use a solid colour for a background.
Shading is a good way of adding interest to your negative art drawings too. After focusing on your subject, add shading to key areas for both visual interest and make your subject stand out even more.
3. Trees
Image: @aleesha_n
If nature is your go-to, try drawing a tree without connecting the branches for even more negative space. It might seem odd at first, but leaving the lines disconnected will bring more attention to the subject.
4. A chair
Image: @mithimakes
You might have seen a chair negative space drawing before. It’s a great exercise to try when you’re learning to get a hands-on idea of negative and positive space. Find a chair and set a timer to see how you can focus on the one object and the space around it.
5. Animals
Image: @cyy.ka
If you’re liking the idea of negative space drawing, but needing a bit of a creative spark, head to a zoo with a sketchbook and pen and try your hand at negative space drawing. Who knows what you might spot, like this cute beaver.
6. Adding colour
Image: @sandrine_jouve
You can still add colour to a negative space drawing. Remember a dark will force a light forward, so using strong colours with negative space and light outlines will bring your designs even more to the centre stage. This is why negative space is used a lot in graphic design for logos too -- the more you know hey.
7. Contrasting colours
Image: @wisonhendrik
If shading isn’t your cup of tea or you’re looking to add more details to your negative art drawings, try black paper and white charcoal. This will give your drawings the dark background they need, and you’ll have more time to focus on the details, sounds good to us!
8. Plants
Image: @jessicaantonelliart
Not sure where to start? A plant is another way to begin drawing negative space. Focus on the leaves and the shapes they form, add in a pot if you like, then the space you have behind them will form the negative space.
9. Drawing the details
Image: @hanbing.art
You can still be detailed in your negative space drawings and easily turn an “outline” into something more. Remember to keep your backgrounds (or negative space) dark so the objects “pop” and the eye focuses on the object.
10. Consider poses
Image: @stella.antoniadou.artworks
You can still have fun with a negative space drawing. Try drawing your subjects in different poses like running, dancing or jumping and focus on the movement, this will also teach you more about movement and it’s a great way to learn!
11. A window
Image: @carowa11
Using a window as a frame for your negative space drawing is another idea. Whether you have a favourite spot in mind or use a bit of creativity to add to the objects (or the view) play around and have fun with it.
12. Use fun colours
Image: @morgangrice97
Whether you pick up a few markers or dip into your favourite colours, find an object and get drawing! We love these ideas of a cat, a bird or even a shell for some creative inspiration.
With these ideas in mind, we hope you feel ready to take on negative space drawing for yourself! We’d love to see what you create, tag us #montmarteart or @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook, so we can see it.
Looking for more? Play with perspective and check out these 8 one point perspective ideas. Or get more great ideas delivered to your inbox by joining our Creative Connection. To join, scroll to the bottom of our website and pop in your email, it’s that easy.
