The element of line

The Element of Line

Yvonne Jacquette, Town of Skowhegan, Main V, 1988, oil on canvas 783/16”x 64 3/16” Courtesy, DC Moore Gallery NYC

How do artists use line in art?

Objectives:

Observe the lines in their environment more closely.

Compare and contrast different kinds of lines and the use of lines in artworks.

Demonstrate effective use of art media and tools in drawings.

What is line?

Lines are everywhere. You can find lines in the grain of a piece of wood, in the cracks on a sidewalk. Lines are used to create words, numbers and symbols. They are also used to make art.

Line is an element of art that is the path of a moving point through space.

Artists use line to lead your eye through a work of art.

Dimension is the amount of space an object takes up in one direction. Two dimensional objects have height as well as width. Three dimensional objects have height, width and depth.

A line that shows or creates the outer edges of a shape is an outline.

Good Morning

• Today you will need you your sketchbook to copy notes and to create a new work of art

Implied Lines are a series of points that a viewer’s eyes automatically connect.

Implied lines created by the light bulbs create the image of a smile

Kinds of Lines and How Lines Vary

• Vertical• Horizontal• Diagonal • Zigzag• Curved

• Length• Width• Texture• Direction• Degree of Curve

Vertical lines lift your eyes and create a sense of formality and stability

Horizontal lines create a feeling of peacfullness, calm and rest.

Diagonal lines appear to be rising or falling.

Thomas Hart Benton, The Sources of Country Music 6’x10’ mural, Nashville, TN.

Zigzag lines create confusion, activity and excitement

Curved lines are flowing and graceful

Assignment

• On separate pages in your sketchbook, illustrate two words from the list by using line movement only. DO NOT draw objects or write words.

• Do this in colored pencil• Fill your page. You will be

graded on originality, quality of design and effort.

• Keep your words secret.

Swimming Growing

Rocking Laughing

Marching Flying

Dancing Singing

Wagging Sailing

Burning Juggling

Flowing Walking

Running Tumbling

Crawling

Writing

Praying

Jumping