The empty space around an element in the picture plane is called the ________.

a. positive form
b. figure
c. negative space
d. design
e. figural composition

c. negative space

a. Incorrect. The positive form is the element that the empty space surrounds.
b. Incorrect. The figure is another word for the element that the empty space surrounds.
c. Correct. This empty space is called negative space.
d. Incorrect. Design is how the artist has arranged the empty space and the elements therein.
e. Incorrect. Figural composition is not the empty space surrounding an element in the picture plane.