Chapter 4 Drawing Lines and Shapes

Goals (1 of 2) Review the process of creating illustrations in Illustrator Learn the difference between open lines and closed lines/shapes Draw and transform basic shapes and describe shape types in design Explore the freeform drawing tools

Goals (2 of 2) Discover the characteristics of Bezier lines and curves using the Pen tool Create, move, and edit straight and curved paths Combine straight and curved paths into object shapes Select and edit individual anchor points

The Simplicity of Lines and Shapes (1 of 2) A line in a drawing is simply an edge or a boundary. A line can be open or closed. Sometimes lines are called strokes or outlines. A closed line is a shape—a line enclosing an area.

The Simplicity of Lines and Shapes (2 of 2) There are different shape types in art and design.

Geometric, Freeform, and Precision Drawing (1 of 2) Create different types of lines and shapes depending on the methods and tools used. The process of creating an illustration using geometric shapes

The process of creating an illustration using the precise Pen tool Geometric, Freeform, and Precision Drawing (2 of 2)

Lesson 1: Basic Lines and Shapes Practice making your own geometric and freeform lines and shapes.

Mastering the Precise Pen Tool The Pen tool is the Excalibur of creating precise and complex drawings in Illustrator. To understand how the Pen tool works is to understand a vector’s anatomy.

Lessons 2 and 3: Mastering the Pen Tool Practice using the Pen tool in these lessons.

Summary Lines and shapes are the first building blocks of vector drawing. Shape designs can be geometric, rectilinear, biomorphic, and irregular. Illustrator has lots of tools for making and editing anchor points, lines, and shapes. The Pen tool is a powerful aid for creating more precise and flexible drawings.