1.2 Elements of Art in 3-D

3-D building blocks

In three dimensions, the key elements include form, mass, volume, plane, line, texture, and space. Unlike a flat image, a 3-D work exists in real space and is seen from many angles.

Form, mass, and volume

Form is a three-dimensional shape; mass is its sense of weight and solidity; volume is the space a form encloses or occupies. A hollow vessel has volume; a solid block has mass.

Space

Space is central in 3-D: the work occupies positive space, while the empty areas around and within it are negative space. Both shape how a form reads.

Key terms

Elements in 3-D

form, mass, volume, plane, line, texture, space

Form

a three-dimensional shape

Mass

the sense of weight and solidity

Volume

the space a form encloses or occupies

Space

positive (the form) and negative (around/within it)

Try an AP-style question

In 3-D art, form refers to…

1. a color
2. a flat shape
3. a line drawing
4. three-dimensional volume