The Element of Line
What is Line?
Art Talk 2005 by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
•Line - element of art
that is the path of
a moving point
through space.
•Line leads the
viewers’ eye through
the artwork.
•How is line used
in this art piece?
Yvonne Jacquette. Town of Skowhegan, Maine V. 1988. Oil on canvas
Draw the lines you see.
Artists create lines on paper with a
pencil or with a stick in wet clay.
Line can be found
in nature, too.
In these examples it is easy to
identify line because length is the
most important dimension.
What edges and lines do you
see?
Draw the edges and lines
needed to create a line
drawing of this dogwood
blossom.
Does your drawing look something like this?
Implied line was
used to create a
sense of
movement.
How many sets
of nine shapes
can you find
that create
implied lines?
Abrasha. Hanukkah Menorah. 1995. Fabricated stainless steel, silver, and gold.
Kinds of Lines
Horizontal
Parallel to horizon
Vertical
Straight up &
down
Zigzag
Diagonals
Curved
slant
Combo of diagonals
Change direction
gradually
Line Variation
Length
Direction
Width
Texture
Degree of curve
Additional Lines
Contour
• Define edges and surface ridges of an
object (inside details)
Outline
• Shows or creates the outer edges of a shape
Implied
• Series of points that the viewer’s eye
automatically connect
“OP” Art - Optical Illusions
Appear to move
Confusing to look at
May make you feel
dizzy
Reginald Neal
Square of Three —
Yellow and Black, 1964.
Line Direction
Optical Illusions in Art by Alexander Sturgis
Grey spots
seem to
appear
where the
white lines
cross.
Look Close
Add
Color
Expressive Qualities
Horizontal
Vertical
Static
Peace, rest, quiet &
stability
Static or Inactive
Content
Relaxed
Calm
Dignity
Poise
Stiffness
Formality
Curved
Diagonal
Zigzag
Activity
Instability
Confusion
Hypnotic
Decorative
Luxury
Tension
Excitement
Uncomfortable
Excitement
Nervousness
Less active =
calmer feeling
Two meet=
more stable
Indicated by
direction
Horizontal less
active
Contour Line Project
1.
Use continuous line to draw your face.
(newsprint 9X12)

Include all details
 Wrinkles, frown lines, scars
2.
3.
4.
5.
Have art approved to choose best.
Scribble on back.
Arrange on white paper (9X12)
Transfer face by tracing

Bleed off edges.
Hand continued – 100 pt.
1.
2.
Opt 1 Complete a contour line self-portrait using sharpie
marker and colored pencils. Create an emphasis (focal
point) by changing width, length and/or direction of the
lines.
o
You should think about details you want to stand out
over other areas.
o
Use expressive lines behind or in and around face
and hair
Opt 2 Complete art by using sharpie, color pencils and
create an emphasis by changing size, thickness and
style of text.
o
You should think about details you want to stand out
over other areas.
o
Add text: Using either words that describe you or a
poem.
Student Artwork
Alicja Chrena
Grade 12, Continuous Line.
Evaluation & VA Standards

Evaluation

Equal value
• Craftsmanship, creativity, effort & directions

Standards

Artistic Perception
• 1.1 Use principles to analyze & write about visual
aspects of student’s art

Creative Expression
• 2.1 Solve a visual art problem with effective use of
elements and principles.
Composition Book
Collect examples of images from
magazines demonstrating the various
lines, glue into your composition books
and label:
Kinds of Line: Vertical, Horizontal,
Zigzag, Diagonal & Curved
Line Variations: Length, Width,
Direction, Texture, Degree of Curve