Final answer:
In two-dimensional art, the format is the area where an artist creates their work, making artistic decisions within this boundary to convey their vision through the use of space, lines, and shapes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In two-dimensional art, the area in which an artist creates their work is referred to as the format. The format encompasses all the artistic decisions made within the borders of the artwork and is where the artist decides how to use space, lines, and shapes to convey their vision. For example, the artist may choose a particular paper size for a drawing which then defines the limits within which they will create. In two-dimensional art, space can be positive or negative, and it is within this space that the artist works to create a sense of depth and perspective, even though the work itself is flat.
When an artist paints a landscape on a two-dimensional piece of wood or panel, they often use techniques to give the illusion of depth and a three-dimensional feeling. The use of line is important in defining the shape and form of objects within this format. Whether the lines are straight or have volume or mass, they contribute to creating the overall form of the artwork. Similarly, the representation of shapes, which can be geometric or organic, defines the boundaries and contributes to the narrative or visual appeal of the piece. Ultimately, the format is the canvas, paper, or other surface that contains all of these artistic elements.