UNDERSTANDING LINEDefinition

Kinds of Line and their Effects on Art Works

Styles and Techniques

LINE• A line is an identifiable path created by a point moving in

space. • It is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and

length. • Lines often define the edges of a form. • Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or

curved, thick or thin. • They lead your eye around the composition and can

communicate information through their character and direction.

Kinds of Line and their Effect on Works of Art

Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest.

In this landscape, horizontal lines also help give a sense of space. The lines delineate sections of the landscape, which recede into space. They also imply continuation of the landscape beyond the picture plane to the left and right. 

A Storm on the Mediterranean Coast, Claude-Joseph Vernet, 1767

Kinds of Line and their Effect on Works of Art

Vertical lines often communicate a sense of height because they are perpendicular to the earth, extending upwards toward the sky.

In this church interior, vertical lines suggest spirituality, rising beyond human reach toward the heavens. Saint Bavo, Haarlem, Pieter Jansz.

Saenredam, 1634

Kinds of Line and their Effect on Works of Art

Horizontal and Vertical lines used in combination communicate stability and solidity.

Rectilinear forms with 90-degree angles are structurally stable.

This stability suggests permanence and reliability.

Cabinet, French, about 1785

Kinds of Line and their Effect on Works of Art

Diagonal lines convey a feeling of movement.

Objects in a diagonal position are unstable. Because they are neither vertical nor horizontal, they are either about to fall or are already in motion.

The angles of the ship and the rocks on the shore convey a feeling of movement or speed in this stormy harbor scene.

A Storm on the Mediterranean Coast, Claude-Joseph Vernet, 1767

Kinds of Line and their Effect on Works of Art

Curve of a line can convey energy. Soft, shallow curves recall the curves of the human body and often have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening effect on the composition.

The edge of the pool in this photograph gently leads the eye to the sculptures on the horizon. 

Pool, Saint-Cloud, Eugène Atget, 1915–1919

Assignment:• Copy and Paste a

painting, picture or drawing from the internet to a ¼ size short bond paper

• Give its Title, Artist, Medium and Year Made

• Explain how the art work made use of the its line to convey its message.

TitleArtist

MediumYear Made

Explanation how the lines are used to explain the work

LINES THAT CREATE VALUE AND TEXTURE

Hatching and CrosshatchingTechnique in using lines to create value (dark to light or light to dark)

Hatching- lines going in the same direction; the closer the lines, the darker the art work will be.

Crosshatching- lines that cross; the more lines that are crosshatched, the more darker is the work

Stippling and Scribbling • Stippling is the creation of a pattern simulating varying

degrees of solidity or shading by using small dots. 

• Scribbling is a drawing composed of random and abstract lines, generally without ever lifting the drawing device off of the paper.

Plate 2: HatchingPlate 3: CrosshatchingPlate 4: Stippling Plate 5: Scribbling

Use your 3 Techpens and 1 ballpen in creating each Plate.

Portfolio Pieces: Zentangle and Illustration ArtSubmission: July 3, 2015Objective:

1) Create art works the emphasizes the use of different lines.

2) Zentangle is freestyle and Illustration Art is to be executed in

a technical manner.

3) Show own creativity and style.

Materials:

¼ White Velum Paper (120 gsm) Pencil, Eraser, Ruler

Tech Pen Black Marker (optional)

General Instruction:

1) Purely black and white or pen and ink work. Pencils are used only for guide and must be erased.

2) Margin in all sides of the velum is set at 1.5 inches; No art work should go beyond the margin.

3) Signature maybe placed with the art work however at the back give title of work and your full name. Use pencil in writing your name at the back.

4) Submit in a short bond paper and type-written the explanation of your work. At least one paragraph. Discuss the reason for the title and your inspiration for the work.

Zentangle• A form of doodling but

creates beautiful images from repetitive patterns.

• It increases focus and creativity. 

• Provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well-being.

Illustration Art * Pen and Art • The word comes from the latin

word illustra'tio, illu'stro meaning enlighten, irradiate.

• Printing is the current process for reproducing illustrations, typically with ink on paper using a printing press.

• Illustrations can be artistic images illustrating for example a text, poem, fashion, magazines, stamps or a book and very often illustrations were made for children's books.