Figure-Ground Relationship in Painting: Look Closer to Tell Your Story & Create Better Art

I’ve been teaching art for 40-years and I have painting is in the Smithsonian and yet, I still see art in new ways every time I go to the museum. In this week’s video, you’re going to hear me talk about a change in perspective and how it’s wrapped around an ah-ha moment.
However, before you dive into the video, let’s start from the top … the academic definition of Figure-Ground relationship is the way that humans organize and perceive visual information. That’s heavy.
In art, the concept of Figure-Ground relationships is important because when your background is the same too long it runs the risk of looking flat and stiff. When your figure is the same too long, it runs the risk of being flat and stiff. And maybe that’s your intent, but if it’s not - then you need to watch this quick class clip.
IMPORTANT: There are 3 types of Figure-Ground Relationships: (1) Separate which is objects appearing as two separate entities, (2) Connected which is a relationship to one another, and (3) Ambiguous which is separate and connected. Now that’s super academic. When objects are closer, they often are perceived as connected. When they are similar, they are seen as part of one another. And when the surroundings can influence how the object is perceived, that impacts how it’s visually seen.
But what does that have to do with art? And my painting?
For your painting to have a feeling of depth where you want it too and how you want to tell your story, you have to consider the Figure-Ground Relationship.
Easier said than done. Watch the video, make sure that you’re looking closely at what you’re painting.
Growth Mindset: I encourage you to maintain a growth mindset - always open to learning and expanding their understanding.
Seeing What's Different: There is an importance of actively seeking out new perspectives and noticing subtle changes. Sometimes, our own biases or assumptions can blind us to what's right in front of us.
The Power of Experience: Our experience at the museum can show us how even familiar places can reveal something new when we approach them with a fresh perspective.
And feel free to make a comment below if you have a question.
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