Everything in a picture is either positive space or negative space. Positive space is the object itself: the chair, the mug, the plant. Negative space is the space around it and between its parts: the gaps between chair legs, the hole inside a mug handle, the sky between branches.
Key idea
Negative shapes share their edges with the object. Draw the gaps correctly and the object comes out correct too.
Why it works
You know what a chair is, so your hand wants to draw your idea of a chair. You have no idea of "the shape between the rung and the seat," so you have to look at it. Gaps are often simple shapes, such as rectangles and triangles, which are easier to judge than the object.
Worked example: A mug handle
Your drawing of a mug handle looks wrong, but you cannot tell why. What can you look at instead?
- The handle is positive space. The hole inside it is negative space.
- Compare the shape of the hole: is it tall or wide, round or like a letter D?
- Fix the hole and the handle is fixed with it.
Answer: The shape of the hole inside the handle.
Common mistake
Many people ignore the gaps, such as between chair legs or under an arm. Those shapes are easier to judge than the object itself. When something looks off, check the negative shapes beside it.