In your Higher exam you will be asked to analyse the work using the following areas of Line:

• outlines, edges, leading lines

• effect on definition

• effect on composition — for example dividing the space, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, leading lines, and creating perspective

• quality of line — for example thick, thin, soft, hard, textural, fluid, light, heavy, and broken

• used to create tone — for example cross-hatching

• used to suggest form — for example contour lines

• used to create pattern

• The effect Line has on the visual impact or mood and atmosphere of the piece.

When answering a question it's good practice to have structure for each point you make. 

What - Name what the visual element or expressive effect you want to discuss is

Where - Describe exactly where in the painting it is 

Why - Analyse what the impact of the element used has on the overall visual impact or mood and atmosphere of the piece.

Key - What - Blue, Where - Red, Why - Purple

The artist has used broad vertical and horizontal lines in the utility pole, these are dominating and bolder than any other area of the composition, they therefore they catch the viewers’ attention creating a strong focal point to the right of the composition.

The artist has painted thin diagonal lines to represent wires, these create leading lines and help guide the viewer's eye up into the artwork from bottom and middle left, right to the focal point, the utility pole. They also lead the eye around other parts of the composition, such as to the top right but due to the perspective used the eye always travels back to the focal point.

The artist has painted a variety of thick and thin lines on the buildings to represent windows this also creates different patterns within the artwork making the background buildings look tall and thin but also more realistic, the linear patterns are applied in different thicknesses to create depth.

The artist has used varied thicknesses of black lines throughout the entire composition this ensures they are visible and distinctive on top of the layered media beneath which would have otherwise overpowered the linework.