LINE Element of Art

In art the word LINE is used to describe long, thin marks, and there are many examples that fit this meaning. LINE

DESCRIPTIVE LINES are lines that help us understand what we are seeing DESCRIPTIVE LINES are lines that help us understand what we are seeing. They include outlines, contour lines, single lines, and hatching. IMPLIED LINES are lines that suggest an edge rather than clearly defining one. They occur where textures, colors, and values change at edges of shapes in artwork. EXPRESSIVE LINES are lines that send us messages about what the artist wants his or her work to make us feel. LINE

What feeling do these lines convey?

Write a list of words describing these lines.

Pablo Picasso was adept with line Pablo Picasso was adept with line. He could create an image with just a few strokes. How would you describe the lines he is using? LINE

The lines and shapes on this road map are symbols The lines and shapes on this road map are symbols. Can you think of other instances in daily life where lines are understood to be symbols? LINE

The most basic kind of descriptive line is an OUTLINE The most basic kind of descriptive line is an OUTLINE. An outline is a line that surrounds a shape. only outer edges of the shapes are defined lines are usually the same thickness throughout DESCRIPTIVE LINE

CONTOUR lines also define the outer edges of shapes CONTOUR lines also define the outer edges of shapes. Unlike outlines, however, contour lines… vary in thickness and darkness give a greater sense of depth to the object DESCRIPTIVE LINE

Why might an artist drawing a person’s portrait choose to use contour line rather than outline? DESCRIPTIVE LINE

DESCRIPTIVE LINE STRAIGHT descriptive lines horizontal, vertical, and diagonal can be a continuous line or a broken line such as a dotted line. DESCRIPTIVE LINE

DESCRIPTIVE LINE CURVED descriptive lines Free and random placement, spiral, wavy, scroll DESCRIPTIVE LINE

ZIGZAG descriptive lines Jagged and/or pointed DESCRIPTIVE LINE

INDIVIDUAL LINES can be used to describe letters, numbers or objects. often called CALLIGRAPHY INDIVIDUAL LINES

HATCHING / CROSSHATCHING Some lines describe value through shading. closely spaced, parallel lines are called HATCHING hatching lines that cross, which make a more solid shadow, are called CROSSHATCHING HATCHING / CROSSHATCHING

Some lines are not seen, at least not in the usual way Some lines are not seen, at least not in the usual way. They are IMPLIED LINES. Lines can be implied by edges, closure, and lines of sight. An EDGE exists where one shape ends and another begins. IMPLIED LINES

Lines are also used by artists to express feelings and ideas are called EXPRESSIVE LINES.

LINES Lines suggest movement & personality Horizontal: Vertical lines: calmness, peace, repose, quiet, stability Vertical lines: rigid, strength, static, uprightness Diagonal lines: tension, energy, striving, movement towards somewhere Curved lines: gracefulness, relaxed, ease, comfort, flowing movement Jagged lines: nervousness, awkwardness, aggressiveness or wildness Hard dark: clearly defined, strength, precision, confidence Soft blurred: delicate, sensitive, timid, weakness LINES

LINES Lines show variety Varying Direction & Position: VaryingWidth: Varying Length: Varying Texture: Varying Degree of Curvature: