Introduction to L i N e

Line The path of a continuous, moving point through space. Line is important to an artist because it can describe and identify shapes.

Types of Lines IMPLIED LINE ACTUAL LINE May vary greatly in weight and character -Expressive Lines -Descriptive Lines IMPLIED LINE Created by positioning a series of points so that the eye tends to automatically connect them—not actually drawn! By using the various types of lines, artists have the potential to lead a viewer’s eye through a composition.

ACTUAL LINE VERTICAL ZIG-ZAG DIAGONAL Expressive Lines HORIZONTAL Lines that communicate ideas & moods. VERTICAL HORIZONTAL DIAGONAL CURVED ZIG-ZAG

EXPRESSIVE LINES continued ACTUAL LINE EXPRESSIVE LINES continued Vertical Lines Stability & Strength

EXPRESSIVE LINES continued ACTUAL LINE EXPRESSIVE LINES continued Horizontal Lines Calm & Peaceful

EXPRESSIVE LINES continued ACTUAL LINE EXPRESSIVE LINES continued Curved & Zig-Zag Sense of activity, tension, & even confusion

EXPRESSIVE LINES continued ACTUAL LINE EXPRESSIVE LINES continued Diagonal Lines Movement or instability

VARIATIONS OF LINE QUALITY Length Width T E X T U R E direction degree of curve With the combination of various line types, a multitude of possible effects can be created.

Lines that DESCRIBE how an object looks. ACTUAL LINE DESCRIPTIVE LINES Lines that DESCRIBE how an object looks. Contour Gesture

Contour lines describe the wrinkles &folds in your clothes. DESCRIPTIVE LINES CONTOUR LINES Line used to follow the edges of forms, to describe their outlines and inner details. This is the most common use of line in art. Contour lines describe the wrinkles &folds in your clothes.

DESCRIPTIVE LINES GESTURE LINES Quick, sketch-like lines Your drawn lines don’t stay at the edges but move freely within the forms. You are more concerned with capturing the ACTION rather than drawing accurately. It captures the movement of the subject rather than recording the details of the form.

LINE TECHNIQUES TO KNOW Cross-hatching

LINE TECHNIQUES TO KNOW Hatching

LINE TECHNIQUES TO KNOW Stippling

LINE TECHNIQUES TO KNOW Scumbling

Practice Assignment For 20 minutes, you will warm up by labeling and practicing the following line techniques in your sketchbook: Hatching: Cross-Hatching: Stippling: Scumbling:

Line Technique worksheet You will CAREFULLY & SLOWLY complete the line technique worksheet. Please revert to your sketchbook if you need more practice.