Line

LINE The element of art used to define spaces, contours and outlines, or suggest mass and volume. It may be a continuous mark made with a pointed, moving tool or implied by the edges of shapes and forms.

DESCRIPTIVE LINES created with a variety of tools include outlines, contour lines, single lines or hatching make recognizable pictures, helping us understand what we’re seeing

OUTLINES lines surrounding a shape, describing the outer edges They have little variation and appear flat.

CONTOUR LINES Contour lines describe the outer edges of shapes and surfaces within a form such as wrinkles and folds. They vary in thickness and give a sense of depth.

HATCHING/CROSSHATCH ING HATCHING- Shading using thin, closely spaced parallel lines CROSSHATCHING- Hatching lines that intersect

OPTICAL MIXING An effect when colors or values laid side by side blend together. The mixing takes place in the eye.

IMPLIED LINES Lines indirectly indicated in artworks, suggesting an edge rather than defining one: at edges where two shapes meet where one form ends and the space around it begins by positioning several objects or figures in a row.

Point out the IMPLIED LINES:

EDGE Exists where one shape ends and another begins. Where do you see edges in this artwork?

CLOSURE The tendency to “see” complete figures where lines are left open. Where do you see closure in this artwork?

LINES OF SIGHT Implied lines suggested by following the gaze of people in an artwork. Where are your eyes led in this painting?

EXPRESSIVE LINES Lines produced to express an idea, mood or quality, such as graceful, nervous, aggressive, etc.

ABSTRACT LINES Usually found in abstract art, these are lines that do not define any recognizable images. They are only meant to be seen as lines.

ABSTRACT LINES