The Elements of Art: Line

Line: Element of art that is the path of a moving point through space Artists use line to lead your eyes through a work of art Movement Direction

"Trio" by Steve Magada 1966 How does the art element of line contribute to the energy of this painting?

Line: Lines have width as well as length (wow, right?) Dimension: The amount of space an object takes up in one direction 2-D, 3-D……………. 4-D? Some thin solid objects are perceived as lines Length is their most important dimension

Diagonal Lines

Line: Definitions Outline: Implied Line: Value: A line that shows or creates the outer edges of a shape Implied Line: A series of points that the viewer’s eyes automatically connect Value: The element of art that describes the darkness or lightness of an object

Line: Crosshatching Artistic technique of using crossed lines for shading Show varying values (different grades of lightness and darkness) Four factors: number of lines, size of spaces between lines, the media and the tools used

Self-Portrait by Kathe Kollwitz Woodcut proof, 1923 Look at this stirring portrait. This is a self-portrait of the German artist Kathe Kollwitz. To learn of her art, you must first learn about her life. She experienced WW I married to a doctor. She lost her son in that war. She later lost her grandson in WW II. She saw the pain and suffering of the mothers, wives and children of the people lost in the war. Look again at this work. Do you view it differently?Notice the lines carved into this woodcut proof to create the texture of this print. The direction of the lines follow the contour of her face. What impact do the lines have on the overall quality of this print?Why do you think Kollwitz chose to integrate these heavy lines into her

Albrecht Durer

a Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) : A leading German painter, theorist and engraver of the Renaissance Woodcuts are incredibly intricate Pushed the medium to new heights Also one of the first in Europe to do watercolours of landscapes and animals

Expressive Qualities of Line What ideas or feelings would the following types of lines communicate? (Remember, the “elements” are the language of art) Vertical? Static, inactive. Appear to be at rest Express stability; used to show dignity, poise, stiffness, formality

Expressive Qualities of Line Horizontal? Also static. Express feelings of peace, rest, stability. We stand on solid ground, therefore, horizontal lines communicate familiarity and calm

Expressive Qualities of Line Curved? Because they change direction, they express activity and change The less active the curve, the calmer the feeling and vice versa Curves are often used as ornamentation in luxurious designs

Expressive Qualities of Line Diagonal? Often express instability, tension, activity and excitement Can make viewer feel uncomfortable

Expressive Qualities of Line Zigzag? Creates confusion Extremely active and may evoke excitement, nervousness or chaos Degree of intensity dictates the response

Contour Line: Defines the edges and surface of an object Also creates a boundary separating one area from another Let’s practice y’all.

Gesture Drawing A gesture is an expressive movement Think of the thumb’s up, pointing, waving, etc. Purpose of drawing gestures is to capture the feeling of motion Gesture drawing uses little detail, focus on action and energy

Marcel Duchamp Nude Descending Staircase