Figure-ground relationship

Figure-Ground relationship
In a painting, the way in which an object or shape is related to the background against which we see it. Human perception normally operates in such a way the figure seems to advance, and lie in front of the background.

figure-ground relationship In a two-dimensional work, the relationship between a form or figure and its background.
fixative A thin liquid film sprayed over pastel and charcoal drawings to protect them from smudging.

Figure-ground relationship: This phrase refers to the way objects and figures are related within the picture plane.
Focal point: The focal point of an image is the area in a composition to which the eye returns most naturally.

Black & white and the figure-ground relationship
Op art is a perceptual experience related to how vision functions.

Certain alternating figures may help to convey the potential confusion resulting from ambiguity in the figure-ground relationship.

See also: Depth, Painting, Movement, Plane, Analysis