Art Talk 2005 by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

The Element of Line

What is Line?

•Line - element of art

that is the path of

a moving point

through space.

•Line leads the

viewers’ eye through

the artwork.

•How is line used

in this art piece?

Yvonne Jacquette. Town of Skowhegan, Maine V. 1988. Oil on canvas

Artists create lines on paper with a

pencil or with a stick in wet clay.

Line can be found

in nature, too.

In these examples it is easy to

identify line because length is the

most important dimension.

Draw the lines you see.

What edges and lines do you

see?

Draw the edges and lines

needed to create a line

drawing of this dogwood

blossom.

Does your drawing look something like this?

Implied line was

used to create a

sense of

movement.

How many sets

of nine shapes

can you find

that create

implied lines? Abrasha. Hanukkah Menorah. 1995. Fabricated stainless steel, silver, and gold.

Curved

Change direction

gradually

Kinds of Lines

Vertical

Straight up &

down

Horizontal

Parallel to horizon

Diagonals

slant

Zigzag

Combo of diagonals

Line Variation

Length

Width

Texture

Direction

Degree of curve

Additional Lines

• Define edges and surface ridges of an object (inside details)

Contour

• Shows or creates the outer edges of a shape

Outline

• Series of points that the viewer’s eye automatically connect

Implied

Reginald Neal

Square of Three —

Yellow and Black, 1964.

“OP” Art - Optical Illusions

Appear to move

Confusing to look at

May make you feel

dizzy

Optical Illusions in Art by Alexander Sturgis

Line Direction

Grey spots

seem to

appear

where the

white lines

cross.

Look Close

Add

Color

Expressive Qualities

Vertical

Static or Inactive

Dignity

Poise

Stiffness

Formality

Horizontal

Static

Peace, rest, quiet & stability

Content

Relaxed

Calm

Zigzag

Confusion

Excitement

Nervousness

Indicated by direction

Horizontal less active

Diagonal

Instability

Tension

Excitement

Uncomfortable

Two meet=

more stable

Curved

Activity

Hypnotic

Decorative

Luxury

Less active = calmer feeling

Contour Line Project

1. Use continuous line to draw your face. (newsprint 9X12)

Include all details Wrinkles, frown lines, scars

2. Have art approved to choose best.

3. Scribble on back.

4. Arrange on white paper (9X12)

5. Transfer face by tracing

Bleed off edges.

Hand continued – 100 pt.

1. Opt 1 Complete a contour line self-portrait using sharpie marker and colored pencils. Create an emphasis (focal point) by changing width, length and/or direction of the lines.

o You should think about details you want to stand out over other areas.

o Use expressive lines behind or in and around face and hair

2. Opt 2 Complete art by using sharpie, color pencils and create an emphasis by changing size, thickness and style of text.

o You should think about details you want to stand out over other areas.

o Add text: Using either words that describe you or a poem.

Student Artwork

Alicja Chrena

Grade 12, Continuous Line.

Evaluation & VA Standards

Evaluation

Equal value

• Craftsmanship, creativity, effort & directions

Standards

Artistic Perception

• 1.1 Use principles to analyze & write about visual

aspects of student’s art

Creative Expression

• 2.1 Solve a visual art problem with effective use of

elements and principles.

Composition Book

Collect examples of images from

magazines demonstrating the various

lines, glue into your composition books

and label:

Kinds of Line: Vertical, Horizontal,

Zigzag, Diagonal & Curved

Line Variations: Length, Width,

Direction, Texture, Degree of Curve