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What is a
Line ?
What is a line? Geometrically, it connects two points. A line is a path traced by a moving
point, i.e. a pencil point or a paintbrush. We see lines all around us. Line is a vital element of
any artwork.
Line = moving distance between two points
Actual lines are marks or objects that are real lines; they exist physically. Examples of actual
lines include lines painted on a highway, tree branches, lines incised on the surface of
gravestone, telephone poles, neon signs, and words on a page. Contour lines define the edges
of objects, like the sides of a bookcase, the edges of a table, a boulder, a window. Contour lines
define both the edges of the object and the negative space between them, such as the space
between the rungs of a ladder.
This is a good example of implied line: the horizontal stone on top of the vertical stones
appears to extend across the vertical stones on either side of it.
Geometric and Organic Lines
Geometric lines
Geometric lines are mathematically determined. They have regularity and hard or sharp
edges. True geometric lines are rarely found in nature, but often found in man-made
constructions. They convey a sense of order, conformity, and reliability.
Sol LeWitt
Organic lines
Organic lines are the types of lines found in nature. They are irregular, curved, and often fluid.
They convey a sense of gracefulness, dynamism, and spontaneity.
Pair of six-folded screens; ink on paper. 156.8 356 cm (61.73 140.16 in) Tokyo National Museum
Diagonal Line =
Caspar David Friedrich The wanderer above the sea of fog 1818
oil on canvas
Vertical lines suggest alert attention. They imply strength, power, and authority.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Chartres), Chartres, France 1193--1250
Diagonal lines suggest action and movement. They convey dynamism, vitality, and animation.
The Parthenon,a temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, 447-438 BCE
Descriptive Lines
Descriptive lines
cross-hatching
Descriptive lines give us information. Descriptive lines are used in such things as handwriting,
charts and diagrams. They can also be used as decorative elements. Descriptive lines are used
in two dimensional work to suggest three dimensionality (i.e. cross-hatching), and texture.
Calligraphic variations that represent the phrase "name of God the Merciful", used in recitations
of the Qur'an, during daily prayers, and on dedication inscriptions on gravestones, buildings
and works of art.
Anglo-Saxon golden belt buckle from the Sutton Hoo ship-burial 1, Suffolk (England). 7th century AD.
With cast ornament and niello inlay British Museum Gift of Mrs E.M. Pretty
The linear decoration of this waist belt reflects the wealth and status of the owner.
From the 20th U.S. edition of Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body, originally published in 1918
The lines used in anatomical illustration must accurately and effectively describe human anatomy.
Rembrandt Van Rijn The Three Crosses, 1653 etching, drypoint and burin 387 455 mm
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Bequeathed to the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam in 1962 Image Source www.rijksmuseum.nl
Rembrandt's many prints are excellent examples of cross-hatching, using line to create (or
describe) a sense of three dimensionality. Rembrandt also used cross-hatching to create a
dramatic contrast between light and dark.
Although the lines in this cave painting appear very expressive, its intent is not to be an
expression of the artist. The purpose is is to describe the essence of the hyena, not just what it
looks like, but the fluidity of its motion. The artist understood the animal on a very intimate
level.
Each type of line says something different; each evokes a different response. In some way, line
is an integral part of every artwork. Careful consideration of the quality of line used support s
and enhances the artists intent.
Expressive lines impart emotional qualities to lines. For example, lines with sharp peaks are
not easily read by our eyes and impart a feeling of uneasiness. In contrast, lines without sharp
edges, which allow our eyes to flow easily, make us feel calm and comfortable.
Sharply angled lines suggest excitement, anger, danger, chaos.
Mark Di Suvero Are Years What? (for Marianne Moore 1967 painted steel and cable
The Hirshhorn Sculpture Gardens, Washinton DC
Gestural Lines
Gestural lines reveal the touch of the artists hand, arm--and sometimes the entire bodyin
the artwork.
Pages 9-14
What is a line?
Independently (by yourself)
Write a list of some examples of Line. ____________________________________________________
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Draw a variety of different Lines
In your own words what are lines that communicate strength and permanence?
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Your own Examples:
In your own words what are lines that are Descriptive Lines?
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Your own Examples:
In your own words what are lines that are Expressive Lines?
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Your own Examples:
In your own words what are lines that are Gestural Lines?
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Your own Examples:
You will be required to draw a picture of your choice utilizing line of your choice. After you
are finished with your drawing you must than defend your choices in sentence form.
First state which type of line you utilized in your drawing.
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Second state what is the definition of the line you utilized in your drawing.
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Third state an exact area on your drawing where the utilization is
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Fourth state why did you choose this specific type of line for this specific drawing
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Rewrite your answers to form a fluid paragraph that defends your choices.
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