Types of Shapes

When deciding on types of shapes, it's important to keep in mind that several types of shapes exist in numbers and sizes.  The shape of any object determines its spatial relationship, composition and orientation in space.  It can also be best described as a geometric figure, using points, curves and lines to give it a mathematical description.

Common Shapes and Figures

Some of the most common types of shapes and figures are circles, squares and triangles.  Shapes and figures are used best in the study of geometry.  Many careers have evolved from the measurement and composition of angles, lines, points and surfaces that make up a shape.  Architectures, Carpenters and Scientists have made the use of shapes, figures and dimensions important instruments in their line of work. 

Scientists use formulas to measure the dimensions of shapes and figures.  In the study of geometry, you can even use various tools such as, compasses, protractors, triangles, computers and scientific calculators just to calculate the ratio between an object's diameter or its circumference.

Shapes at Work

If you were to draw or construct any type of shape, it's best to know exactly what project, labor or skill you need to apply it.  Shapes are best represented by first deciding which style you want to use.

Basic Shapes:

• Arrows
• Lines
• Squares and Rectangles
• Curves and polygons

When drawing different types of shapes, determine the type of shape you want to use to depict the purpose in which you are drawing it for.

Start with a straight line.  If you were to draw a straight line on a computer you will first need to place your mouse exactly at the point in which you want to begin.  While the mouse button is still pressed, you will then drag the mouse along the page until you reach the point where you would like the line to end.

When drawing types of shapes such as a line on a computer, be sure not to hold down the Alt key, in order to avoid making the line extend outwards.  Next, is to try and perfect the shape of the line.  With use of color and style, you can easily add depth to the figure you've just created. 

Let's try a simple exercise like drawing leaves on and falling off a tree:

The first step is to sketch a leaf.  Choose any leaf you may find on the ground outside and add as much detail as you want.

Second, draw the basis for the tree. Construct some vertical lines, followed by several branches extending from different angles. 

Third, create as many leaves as possible.  After you have drawn uneven, unsteady lines on the tree, surround it by a mass of leaves, adding texture, depth and color to complement the tree from which it has fallen.

Fourth, to make sure you're adding the necessary depth to the leaves, you can make parts of the tree lighter in areas and darker in others.  For instance, you can make some shapes of the leaves curled, torn, tattered or darker in hue.  This is important to show the range, texture and definition of the foliage you have created.  There is no need to spend much time trying to capture the image of every solitary leaf. 

Make your tree barks darker in order to make the sunlight cast a shadow over the leaves.  By adding the touch of sunlight to your picture of leaves falling off trees, you would have created the perfect image depicting the shape of trees and how variations of leaves on the ground can create the perfect combination.

Shape and Form

Once you complete the tree exercise, you will discover there are many ways to capture shape and form.  Shape and form can be two dimensional or three dimensional.  When using two dimensional form, there is width and height that can also give the illusion of three dimensional objects.  But, when creating three dimensional shape, there is depth added to the width and the height. 

There are two ways to describe shape and form.  Both are either organic or geometric.  Organic forms are typically irregular and often seen as asymmetrical.  When thinking in organic form, think of nature.  If you were to visit a scenic place with snow-capped mountains, you would be experiencing organic form.  If something naturally occurs, it is more than likely in organic form.

Geometric forms have specific shapes and names.  Triangles, circles, squares, spheres, cones and most mathematical forms are perfect examples of geometric forms.  If they have been designed or constructed by paper, computer or hand, they more than likely fall into the geometric form category.

Even though most objects that have been designed are not all geometric.  Many are made with irregular design forms, making it difficult to determine its dimension and contour.

This can also be the case with organic forms.  There are some naturally occurring objects that take on the geometric form.  Take snowflakes and soap bubbles, these natural objects have a specific shape. 

How we perceive types of shapes and forms depends on several factors and viewpoints.  How we see an object, whether it's obscure or designed with specific features, will always affect the impression we give it.  This is often the case with photographs.  The space, color and focus of the picture can alter anything from its importance to the detail in which surrounds it.  In photography, the lighting alone can either make the photograph appear new or old.

Think of positive factors and negative factors when considering shape and form.  Unless you have a certain illusion in mind, the positive and negative of objects will become conditioned by your perception.  By training the eye to look at objects and create them from your own point-of-view, there is usually a tendency to conclude the object's meaning whether we choose to or not.  In the end, this may make it hard to create objects without trying to make yourself look beyond first impressions.