The Art Elements: Form

If the first element of art is line and the second element is shape, the next logical element is form.

Line is one dimensional. Shape has two dimensions. Form is created when a shape takes on three dimensions. The three-dimensional character of form can be real, as in a sculpture. Or it can be implied, as in a 3-D drawing.

Here are some great web pages and tutorials that will help you understand form and how it works in art.

K-4 LESSON PLAN

Here is a complete lesson plan from the national gallery of art: http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/education/teachers/lessons-activities/elements-of-art/form.html

ONE-PAGE SUMMARY

This short page is subtitled Notes and Examples of How to Illustrate Form. It provides a concise resource for young artists who want to explore form: https://www.smore.com/efkd-elements-of-art-form

FOR OLDER STUDENTS

This page is a bit more involved but will be a valuable resource for high school age students who want to dig deeper into this element of art: http://visualartspdsf.blogspot.com/2012/04/form-or-volume.html

VIDEO LESSON

The following short (3 min.) video shows how form works in art and sculpture: