Positive and Negative Space Paper Collage

In this lesson students will be able to identify positive and negative space in a collage artwork. Students will begin by creating a collaged surface using paper strips. They will then use a black piece of paper and draw out a simple silhouette shape. Students will then cut out this shape and layer it over their paper collage.

Lesson 1

Students explore positive and negative space in artworks. Look at images with silhouettes and discuss the shapes that have been used and how emphasis is created through contrast.

Students create a paper collage background which will represent the positive space in their artwork. Students can create their own paper to collage with. Use magazines or pre made paper strips.

Lesson 2

Students draw a silhouette on black paper. Once students are happy with their drawing they use a scalpel knife to cut out their design. Once cut out students place their black piece of cut paper over their paper collage. This will reveal their collage background through the cut areas. Students paste down their black paper and can seal their work with Mod Podge.

Reflection:

What is positive and negative space? How have you used it in your artwork? How is contrast created in your work?

Extension:

Students can create two artworks by carefully cutting out their silhouette shape in a single line. They can then paste the positive and negative black paper designs on two separate collaged sheets of paper.

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