In art negative space is concerned with the area around and between objects. It is a useful 'tool' when drawing complicated 3D forms -like a chair - as the spaces around and between elements can be observed and measured relative to one another so improving overall accuracy. It is also a vital part of composition: how the elements are arranged can create a spacious or crowded, balanced or imbalanced impression. See my examples below showing how the negative space around and between objects can have such a dramatic impact depending on how it is used.