LINES & SHAPELINES & SHAPEThere are many kinds of lines. In the ART TALK text, we’ve seen that five major kinds of lines are: There are many kinds of lines. In the ART TALK text, we’ve seen that five major kinds of lines are:

verticalvertical

horizontalhorizontal

diagonaldiagonal

curvedcurved

andand zigzag zigzag

Basic drawing is as ancient a human activity as we can think of. Think of the Basic drawing is as ancient a human activity as we can think of. Think of the earliest examples of cave paintings we observe from prehistoric times. earliest examples of cave paintings we observe from prehistoric times. Drawing remains one of the most common forms of creative expression. Drawing remains one of the most common forms of creative expression.

These days we use various tools like pencils These days we use various tools like pencils and pen and ink, etc. but in reality, drawing and pen and ink, etc. but in reality, drawing basically has to do with mark-making. How basically has to do with mark-making. How many of us have ever used a stick to draw many of us have ever used a stick to draw something in the sand or on a beach? something in the sand or on a beach? 

The things that we draw are defined by lines. Beyond the five kinds of lines we’ve already learned about, the most important thing to be aware of when making or looking at lines is The things that we draw are defined by lines. Beyond the five kinds of lines we’ve already learned about, the most important thing to be aware of when making or looking at lines is line qualityline quality..

When lines are not of the same weight, they are said to have varying line quality. This makes lines much more expressive.When lines are not of the same weight, they are said to have varying line quality. This makes lines much more expressive.

Observe how much less interesting and lively the same design looks when a line of uniform Observe how much less interesting and lively the same design looks when a line of uniform weight is used. The physical act of making the line can also impact line quality. When we draw a weight is used. The physical act of making the line can also impact line quality. When we draw a line with a assertive, confident stroke, the line looks very different than when we are extremely line with a assertive, confident stroke, the line looks very different than when we are extremely careful and move slowly in trying to form a shape. These lines often waver and appear somewhat careful and move slowly in trying to form a shape. These lines often waver and appear somewhat awkward.awkward.

Lines are often used to create shapes. When we draw, Lines are often used to create shapes. When we draw, we often create outlines of the shapes we intend to we often create outlines of the shapes we intend to make.make.

When we add tone or shading to these When we add tone or shading to these shapes, they often become more complex. shapes, they often become more complex.

We can use finer, or subtle lines for a different We can use finer, or subtle lines for a different effect. This puts less emphasis on line and effect. This puts less emphasis on line and more on tone, or shading.more on tone, or shading.

We can completely do away with lines and rely We can completely do away with lines and rely completely on tone or shading to define the completely on tone or shading to define the shapes we make.shapes we make.

ColorColor is another characteristic that can significantly effect is another characteristic that can significantly effect the way an image looks and feels. Subtle color has a different the way an image looks and feels. Subtle color has a different effect than…effect than…

… … bold color. Knowing what you seek to achieve and bold color. Knowing what you seek to achieve and what mood you seek to portray becomes very important. what mood you seek to portray becomes very important.