1. Essential Question: How can do artist use lines to help tell a story?
Lines in Art
Line is a very important tool artists use to create. These tools are known as the elements of art: line, shape, color, value, texture and space. Over the next few weeks we are going to discuss some of the many ways artists use lines to create artwork. We will also be using lines to create our own artwork.
Think Big Idea:
How do artists use lines to help tell a story?
Connections:
(All) Where else have you heard about lines? sports, dance, math, acting, music, writing, driving… everywhere!!
Essential Question:
How can do artist use lines to help tell a story?

2. A line starts with a dot…
and then that dot starts to travel…

3. and travel… Connections:
(4th & 5th) What is the math term for the type of line pictured above? ray

4. A line is a dot that went for a walk. – Paul Klee
and stops.
This a line!
Everything starts with a dot. – Wassily Kandinsky (references).
Lines can be seen in paintings, sculptures, drawings and collages. Lines can be made with any art medium.
Review Points:
(All) What is an art medium?
Connections:
(4th & 5th) What is the math term for the type of line pictured above? line segment
A line is a dot that went for a walk. – Paul Klee

5. There are many different types of lines:
curved straight zigzag
wavy jagged outline
horizontal vertical diagonal
intersecting parallel perpendicular
Also: thick lines, thin lines, dark lines, light lines, short lines, long lines, etc.
(KG-2nd) Use hands and arms to make the lines as we discuss.
Connections:
(3rd-5th) Refer to math terms and the use of lines to create mathematical symbols: equal sign, tables, fractions, etc.

6. Why are lines important to artists?
Lines do many things:
divide spaces, allude to weight
create an outline or pattern,
and show movement or texture.

7. Visible and Invisible lines
Some lines are easy to see, some difficult to see and some are invisible. Invisible lines, also known as implied lines, are lines that you can not see (ghost lines, boo!!).
In this painting entitled Breezing Up (A Fair Wind), there are examples of visible and implied lines that help tell the story and create movement.
Conversation points:
Have students use SmartBoard pens to draw lines: horizon line, mast, sail boats’ paths, gazes, waves, etc.
(All) What is the name of the line in the background that divides the sky from the sea?
(All) How does the angle of the boat’s mast help tell the story? (hint: read the title of the painting)
(3rd-5th) Can you find the implied line in this painting?
Winslow Homer
Breezing Up (A Fair Wind),
Oil on canvas

8. Vincent Van Gogh Starry Night, 1889 Oil on canvas
The name of this very well-known oil painting is Starry Night. It was finished in June of 1889 by Vincent Van Gogh. Today it is part of a permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Conversation Points:
(KG-2nd) What types of lines do you see in Starry Night (encourage the students to use the terms they’ve been taught in this unit to describe the lines they see in the painting)?
(3rd-5th) This painting is a great example of an artist using lines to create movement. How did Vincent Van Gogh use his paintbrush to create movement?
Vincent Van Gogh
Starry Night, 1889
Oil on canvas

9. Show what you know:
1. Name three type of lines you see in this painting? ___________
__________________________.
2. The boardwalk in this painting is made up of many lines that pull the painter into the background. The purpose of the boardwalk lines is to create ____________.
A. pattern
B. movement
C. weight
3. Other than paint, what medium would you choose to reproduce this painting? Why? _______________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Assessment slide (5th grade):
Edvard Munch created four versions of The Scream of Nature between 1893 and In this painting he used oil paint. In the other copies he used either tempera paint or oil pastel. This painting is well-known throughout the world by it’s nickname “The Scream”. The painting has been referenced and copied many times by artists since it was created, which has made it an important piece of pop culture. Let’s focus on the artist’s use of line to tell a story in this painting.
(Print slide on ½ sheet of paper and have students answer questions to assess their understanding of the material at the end of the lesson).
Edvard Munch
The Scream of Nature, 1893
oil on cardboard