1. Line
An element of art that is used to define
shape, contours, and outlines. It may be a
continuous mark made on a surface with a
pointed tool or implied by the edges of
shapes and forms.

2. Line Characteristics
Line is a mark often defined as a moving dot.
It has a length and width, but its width is
very small compared to its length.
Lines often suggest movement in a drawing or
painting.

3. Line in nature
In nature, lines can be seen
as tree branches, cracks in
rocks, grasses, flower stems,
spider webs and more.

4. Line in the man made environment

5. What line examples can you think of?

6. Line Qualities
Variety creates interest. Some lines are thick, some are thin,
some are thick, thin, tapering, uneven
Length - long, short, continuous, broken
Direction- horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curving,
perpendicular, oblique, parallel, radial, zigzag
Focus - sharp, blurry, fuzzy, choppy
Feeling - sharp, jagged, graceful, smooth

7. Line Edges

8. Directional Lines
lead the eye

9. Outlines
Lines made by the edge of an object or
its silhouette.

10. Contour Line
Lines that
describe the
shape of an
object and the
interior detail.

11. Gesture Lines
Line that capture the essence of a
figure pose figure.

12. Calligraphic Lines
Greek word meaning “beautiful writing.”
Precise, elegant handwriting or lettering
done by hand.

13. Implied Line
created by a group of shapes seen from a distance

14. Sketch Lines
Lines that captures the appearance of an
object or impression of a place.

15. Expressive Lines
Lines can be
expressive
and
suggestive
because of
their endless
variety.

16. Hatched Line
Lines repeated to create shading

17. Cross-Hatched Line
shading with line

18. Artist Line Drawings
Line drawing in sanguine "The Peacock Skirt,”
Leonardo da Vinci 1495 Aubrey Beardsley,
1892

19. Review
2 examples of line in nature?
2 examples of man made lines?
What do directional lines do?
Outlines define?
Contour Lines indicate______?
Multiple Crosshatched lines create_______?

20. Activity
Cerate a line design using 5 or more line qualities