I was just learning about this in the drawing class I've started. Positive space is the area occupied by our subject. Negative space is the surrounding area or background space. The frame or drawing space makes up the third element of composition.
Looking deeper we realise that negative and positive spaces can develop an interdependence. Enough negative space (aka whitespace) around an object can draw attention to that object and give it priority.
A good composition is generally thought to have a balance of negative and positive space (although this can vary according to purpose). Artists like M. C. Escher play with reversal of negative and positive spaces to create complex illusions (Jirousek, C. Form, Shape and Space).
Web designs, such as many of those displayed on CSS Zen Garden use the interplay of positive and negative space to create depth to a design, which compels the eye to move around the page.
* Digital Web - Principle of Design
* Web Design Office - Negative Space
* Apogee Photo Magazine - Primer on positive and negative space
* Jim Saw's Design Notes
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