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A line is a mark with length and direction; a point moving through space. It may be flat (pencil line) or three-dimensional (a rod, groove, ridge, etc.) Line may be explicit - a line painted along the edge of the road - or implied by the edge of a shape or form. Lines are used to outline (diagrammatic or contour lines), create shading and show form (structural lines, hatching and cross-hatching), decorate, express emotion, and direct the viewer's eye. Lines can be categorized as horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curved, and zigzag.
Lines can be hard, sharp, straight, geometric; they can be organic, smooth, soft, flowing, loopy, wavy.
Lines can remain a constant thickness (descriptive, analytical, objective, showing little of the action used to create them) or vary in thickness along their length (flowing, calligraphic, lyrical, showing emphasis and something of the gesture used to make them).
Expressive, gestural lines shout the force, speed and emotion put into their making. They swoop, slash, scar, skip, skid, stutter, sing, whisper, drip, bleed, splash across the surface. Lines that are sketchy and unsure express uncertainty and weakness, and are generally less pleasing. More confident lines left to build up as the artist attempts to capture her subject can display character, process of investigation, and interest.
Lines can loop closed around a shape and have no end-points (outline), or at the ends they can be flared, frayed, splayed, rounded, tapered, or cut off at any angle.
Lines divide the space and volume they are in. At the same time, they can unite and tie elements together.
Common Types of Line Drawings:
Common Types of Line Drawings:
CONTOUR LINE DRAWINGS
Contour line drawing: drawings that use a fairly continuous line to represent the edges and surface detail of shape or objects being drawn.
Characteristics of Contour line drawings:
•No Value (light and dark shadows and highlights)
•No Textures (the implied look of a touchable feeing something may have)
•NO VOLUME (the volume or mass of the object is not demonstrated)
•Just the CONTOUR EDGES of shapes, colors, textures and values
Contour drawings show the outline of the subject.
Pablo Picasso. "War and Peace." pen and ink drawing
CROSS CONTOUR LINE DRAWINGS
Cross contour lines are drawn lines which travel, as the name suggests, across the form. Cross contours may be horizontal, vertical or both. Often, in more complex forms, cross-contours will be drawn at varying angles
Often cross-contours look like the contour lines on a map of rough terrain - they help us visualize the topography of a surface
Contours wrap around a form
•Cross contour helps to define FORM using LINE
VALUE is also described using LINE
•Hatched and cross-hatched line drawings: drawings that consists of parallel lines (hatching) or crossing parallel lines (cross-hatching) drawn to create changes in lightness and darkness and texture.
Hatching lines go in one direction and can change width to demonstrate various values (the illusion of shading)
Cross hatching lines are parallel vertical and horizontal lines that intersect to demonstrate value (lightness or darkness)
A continuous line drawing is one in which a single, unbroken line is used to develop the image.
Aside from the fact that a continuous line drawing can be a work of art in its own right, it is also a worthy drawing exercise for developing hand-eye coordination and observation skills
Parameters for making a continuous line drawings:
Once you place your pen or pencil on the surface, do not remove it until the drawing is complete. Your goal is to describe the subject with one, singular line. It can become thicker and thinner in areas, but it should never break.
Try to move your hand at a similar speed in which you observe the subject with your eyes. This will help to create more accurate proportions and shapes. But remember, perfection is not attainable.
Do not erase. Leave the imperfections and let them be a human element in your work. (As humans, we are attracted to artifacts that are clearly made by other humans.)
Repeat. Do several drawings in one sitting and try different tools. You may find that you are more comfortable completing the exercise with a graphite pencil instead of an ink pen or vice versa.
Wire Drawings: Continuous lines in 3-D
Continuous lines can be used in 3-D art as well using wire of various gauges
Click here to learn more about Continuous line drawings
GESTURE LINE DRAWINGS
•Gestural line drawings: drawings that use quick pencil strokes (or other drawing instruments) to capture a scene. Gestural drawings imply action and movement
Line Drawing Variations
Line Drawing Variations
Drawings by Vincent Van Gogh depicting various types of line
MEANING OF LINES
MEANING OF LINES
Thin lines are fragile. They appear easy to break or knock over. They suggest frailty and convey an elegant quality. They are delicate and give off an ephemeral air.
Thick lines on the other hand appear difficult to break. They suggest strength and give emphasis to nearby elements. Thick lines are bold and make a statement.
Horizontal lines are parallel to the horizon (hence the name). They look like they’re lying down, at rest, asleep. They suggest calm and quiet, a relaxed comfort.
Horizontal lines can’t fall over. They accentuate width. They’re stable and secure. The convey an absence of conflict, a restful peace. Horizontal lines by their connection to the horizon are associated with earth bound things and idea.
Vertical lines are perpendicular to the horizon. They are filled with potential energy that could be released if they were to fall over. Vertical lines are strong and rigid. They can suggest stability, especially when thicker. Vertical lines accentuate height and convey a lack of movement, which is usually seen as horizontal. They stretch from the earth to the heavens and are often connected with religious feelings. Their tallness and formality may give the impression of dignity.
Diagonal lines are unbalanced. They are filled with restless and uncontrolled energy. They can appear to be either rising or falling and convey action and motion. Their kinetic energy and apparent movement create tension and excitement. Diagonal lines are more dramatic than either horizontal or vertical lines. Diagonal lines can also appear solid and unmoving if they are holding something up or at rest against a vertical line or plane.
Curved lines are softer than straight lines. They sweep and turn gracefully between end points. They are less definite and predictable than straight lines. They bend, they change direction. Curved lines express fluid movement. They can be calm or dynamic depending on how much they curve. The less active the curve the calmer the feeling.
Zigzag lines are a combination of diagonal lines that connect at points. They take on the dynamic and high energy characteristics of diagonal lines. They create excitement and intense movement. They convey confusion and nervousness as they change direction quickly and frequently. They can imply danger and destruction as they break down.
MOOD LINES
MOOD LINES
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