Line
A line is described as a point (dot) moving through space. Lines come in multiple different shapes, sizes, and varieties. Lets start with the five simple ways to describe lines.
First you should start with the direction of the line, which is usually described either horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Horizontal lines run left to right or right to left straight across the work or art and are mostly parallel with the top and bottom edges. Vertical lines run top to bottom or bottom to top straight up and down in the work of art and are mostly parallel with the left and right edges. Diagonal lines are lines that horizontal or vertical lines that do not run parallel with the edges of the work. The starting point of the line varies to one side of the end point of the line. For example, a diagonal line would run from the upper left corner of the work of art to the mid right side of the work, not directly across from the starting point.
Once you have determined the direction of the line, you can describe the line further by using descriptors such as straight, curved, or zig zag. Straight lines proceed in a direct line with no bending or turning. Curved lines will bend and flow across the paper, not creating hard points in the line but slowly bend and angle. Zig zag linescontain sharp turning points that create a jagged appearance. Both curved and zig zag lines can go in one direction, but can also change direction, going from horizontal to vertical. Straight lines do not normally change direction. Here are some examples:
Furthermore, lines will vary in different ways. The most common ways they vary are the thickness, smoothness, and solidness of the line. The thickness of the line refers, of course, to how wide the line is. Lines can range from hair thin to very thick. The smoothness of a line refers to how straight the edges of the line are, if they vary in any way and appear jagged. The solidness of a line refers to how complete the line is filled in. Lines can be solid black and vary either entirely or in parts to lighter black or grey.
There are also very different types of lines. Real lines are just like they sound, a real, visible, solid line. Implied lines are lines that only appear to be there because of the ways objects, colors, and lines are placed that makes the eye see a line. Gesture lines are lines that appear active and give the impression of movement while depicting an object or image. The lines are often drawn quickly and do not follow any set direction or type. They are intended to catch the essence of the object instead of the realistic depiction. Contour lines, or outlines, are the lines that form the outline of a shape or object. Cross contour lines are parallel lines that run vertically, horizontally, or both directions across an object that follow the curves and angles of the object between the contour lines.
View and read the following slideshow. You will need to click through each slide! The slide shows discusses the different types of lines and the emotions they will evoke in viewers. This will be important when you get to the line project.
First you should start with the direction of the line, which is usually described either horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Horizontal lines run left to right or right to left straight across the work or art and are mostly parallel with the top and bottom edges. Vertical lines run top to bottom or bottom to top straight up and down in the work of art and are mostly parallel with the left and right edges. Diagonal lines are lines that horizontal or vertical lines that do not run parallel with the edges of the work. The starting point of the line varies to one side of the end point of the line. For example, a diagonal line would run from the upper left corner of the work of art to the mid right side of the work, not directly across from the starting point.
Once you have determined the direction of the line, you can describe the line further by using descriptors such as straight, curved, or zig zag. Straight lines proceed in a direct line with no bending or turning. Curved lines will bend and flow across the paper, not creating hard points in the line but slowly bend and angle. Zig zag linescontain sharp turning points that create a jagged appearance. Both curved and zig zag lines can go in one direction, but can also change direction, going from horizontal to vertical. Straight lines do not normally change direction. Here are some examples:
Furthermore, lines will vary in different ways. The most common ways they vary are the thickness, smoothness, and solidness of the line. The thickness of the line refers, of course, to how wide the line is. Lines can range from hair thin to very thick. The smoothness of a line refers to how straight the edges of the line are, if they vary in any way and appear jagged. The solidness of a line refers to how complete the line is filled in. Lines can be solid black and vary either entirely or in parts to lighter black or grey.
There are also very different types of lines. Real lines are just like they sound, a real, visible, solid line. Implied lines are lines that only appear to be there because of the ways objects, colors, and lines are placed that makes the eye see a line. Gesture lines are lines that appear active and give the impression of movement while depicting an object or image. The lines are often drawn quickly and do not follow any set direction or type. They are intended to catch the essence of the object instead of the realistic depiction. Contour lines, or outlines, are the lines that form the outline of a shape or object. Cross contour lines are parallel lines that run vertically, horizontally, or both directions across an object that follow the curves and angles of the object between the contour lines.
View and read the following slideshow. You will need to click through each slide! The slide shows discusses the different types of lines and the emotions they will evoke in viewers. This will be important when you get to the line project.