Elements of Design: Line

1. ELEMENTS OF ART:
LINE
Definition of Line: An element of art that is used to
define shape, contours, and outlines, also to suggest
mass and volume. 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 exists in nature……
Here are some
examples of line that
is in nature. Can you
think of other
examples of line in
nature?

3. Types of Lines
 Gesture Lines
 Contour Lines
 Sketch Lines
 Calligraphic Lines
 Implied Line

4. GESTURE Lines
Lines that are energetic and catches the movement and gestures of an
active figure or the feeling of the overall shape
What is this a gesture of?

5. CONTOUR Lines
Lines that describe the shape of an object and the interior detail
(Outline of the basic shape and details)

6. Sketch Lines
Lines that captures the appearance of an object or impression of
a place, creates texture
 Lines can be combined
with other lines to create
textures and patterns. This
is common in engravings
and pen and ink drawings
such as the one on the
right. The use of line in
combination results in the
development of form and
value, which are other
elements of design.

7. Calligraphy Lines
Greek word meaning “beautiful writing.” Precise, elegant handwriting or
lettering done by hand. Also artwork that has flowing lines like elegant
handwriting.

8. IMPLIED lines
Lines that are not actually drawn but created by a group of objects seen
from a distance. The direction an object is point to, or the direction a
person is looking at.
As young children we usually
begin drawing landscapes by
making outlines for
earth, sky, and other objects.
Gradually we learn that
objects do not have such
outlines and we let color
changes define the edges of
shapes, creating implicit lines.
Thus we can speak of a
horizon "line," or the "lines" of
a car or a fashion
silhouette, even though we
know there is no literal line
present.
How does pointing at a person create a line?

9. CHARACTERISTICS OF LINE
 Width
 Length
 Direction
 Focus
 Feeling

10. WIDTH
Thick, thin, tapering & uneven

11. LENGTH
Long, short, continuous & broken

12. DIRECTION
Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curving, perpendic
ular, parallel, radial & zigzag

13. Expressive Qualities of Line
Horizontal line suggests a
feeling of rest or repose.
Objects parallel to the earth
are at rest in relation to
gravity. Therefore
compositions in which
horizontal lines dominate
tend to be quiet and restful
in feeling. One of the
hallmarks of Frank Lloyd
Wright's architectural style is
its use of strong horizontal
elements which stress the
relationship of the structure
to the land.

14. Expressive Qualities of Line
Vertical lines communicate
a feeling of loftiness and
spirituality. Erect lines
seem to extend upwards
beyond human
reach, toward the sky.
They often dominate
public architecture, from
cathedrals to corporate
headquarters. Extended
perpendicular lines
suggest an overpowering
grandeur, beyond
ordinary human
measure.

15. Expressive Qualities of Line
Diagonal lines suggest a feeling of
movement or direction. Since
objects in a diagonal position are
unstable in relation to gravity, being
neither vertical nor horizontal, they
are either about to fall, or are
already in motion, as is certainly the
case for this group of dancers. In a
two dimensional composition
diagonal lines are also used to
indicate depth, an illusion of
perspective that pulls the viewer into
the picture-creating an illusion of a
space that one could move about
within. Thus if a feeling of movement
or speed is desired, or a feeling of
activity, diagonal lines can be used.

16. Expressive Qualities of Line
 Horizontal and vertical
lines in combination
communicate stability
and solidity. Rectilinear
forms stay put in
relation to gravity, and
are not likely to tip over.
This stability suggests
permanence, reliability
and safety. In the case
of the man in this family
group, the lines seem to
imply stability to the
point of stodginess.

17. Expressive Qualities of Line
Deep, acute curves, on the other hand, suggest
confusion, turbulence, even frenzy, as in the violence of
waves in a storm, the chaos of a tangled thread, or the turmoil
of lines suggested by the forms of a crowd.
Curved lines do vary in meaning, however. Soft, shallow curves
suggest comfort, safety, familiarity, relaxation.

18. What feeling do you get from these?
Confusion or Comfort?

19. What about these?