1. The Elements of Art: Line

3. 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

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

6. 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

8. Diagonal Lines

9. 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

13. 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

14. 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

16. Albrecht Durer

17. a
Albrecht Durer ( ) :
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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

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

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

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

24. 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

25. Marcel Duchamp
Nude Descending Staircase