Silhouette Clip Art
A silhouette constitutes a filled in shape representing the outline of an object or figure. As a visual shorthand, it reduces recognizable forms to their essential contours. Silhouettes imply the original while concentrating attention on the form rather than surface details. The stark contrast between dark mass and light background enhances the graphic impact.
History of Silhouettes
The art of silhouette originated from 18th century French court painter Etienne de Silhouette. As finance minister under Louis XV, his austerity measures curbed aristocratic excesses. Hence, “silhouette” became slang referring to cheap substitutes lacking elaborate embellishments. As a hobby, he captured side-profile portraits by tracing sitter shadows cast by candlelight. This flattering portraiture spread through Europe then America during the Federalist era, preserving the memory of founding figures.
Silhouette Portraiture
To encapsulate personalized essence and likeness with minimal means, silhouette artists carefully observe and sketch facial contours. The structural nuances distinguishing individuals emerge from seeing light against form. If executed sensitively, the anonymous shadow can reveal deeper identity. Custom silhouettes make intimate gifts celebrating relationships.
Silhouette Creation Methods
Modern artists access varied methods for laying out silhouette compositions:
- Tracing shapes to fill negative space
- Digital photography manipulation
- Layering paper cut outs
- Projecting images then outlining
- Integrating subjects into scenes
Using Paper Cutting
Paper cutting serves as a direct means for manually materializing silhouette motifs. The method builds dark figures by precision knifework excising tiny slivers to craft lattices. Intricate lace-like textures form through subtractive sculpting of the flat surface. Laser cutting achieves similar effects digitally. Folded, layered and arranged artfully, cut paper injects depth.
Silhouette Composition
Compelling silhouette arrangements balance defined contours against open space. Overlapping introduces depth relations. Repetition builds rhythmic movement. Sizing variance creates important versus secondary elements. Negative spaces shape the environment and mood. Successful scenes place subjects along sight lines to direct focus.
Silhouette Symbolism
As visual metaphors simplifying the world into dark and light, silhouettes profoundly yet subtly communicate. American slavery propaganda featured black figures in chains to humanize atrocities through stark embodiment. Novelty tourist sites use cowboy or regional character outlines as associative branding. Psychological profiles link personal identity with familiar public silhouette skylines.
Decorative Silhouette Crafts
Beyond sole 2D art, silhouettes help ornament functional items:
- Laser cut jewelry pendants
- Vinyl decals on walls or vehicles
- Embroidery patterns on fabric
- Cookie cutters making shadow cookies
- Lamps with shaped shades
Silhouette Clip Art Graphics
Common stock silhouette themes include:
- People carrying objects
- City skylines
- Trees
- Animals in motion
- Dancing figures
- Sport poses
Leveraging Silhouette Clipart
Silhouette clip art expands mixed media possibilities for arts, blogs, events and education:
- Invitations gain layered elegance
- Presentations engage through metaphor
- Game designers efficiently mock up characters
- Teachers foster visual literacy skills
In this page clipartix present 81 silhouette clipart images free for designing activities. Lets download Silhouette Clip Art that you want to use for works or personal uses.
