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Line- Element of Art

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Lines are everywhere. You can see lines in the grain of a piece of wood or in the cracks on a sidewalk.

In art, Line is an element of art that is the path of a moving point through space.

Lines are used to:

  • Create boundaries between shapes

  • Create boundaries between colors, textures or values

  • Lead the eye from one space to another

  • Create textures

  • Suggest emotional qualities

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Lines can VARY in 5 ways:  length, width, texture, direction and degree of curve.

An outline is a line that shows or created the outer edges of a shape

Implied lines are a series of points that the viewer’s eyes automatically connect.  Implied lines are suggested rather than real lines; a series of dots or dashes or a trail of wet footprints can create an implied line.

 

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 The 5 Basic Kinds of Lines are: vertical, horizontal, diagonal, curved and zig-zag

  • Vertical and Horizontal lines are considered static.  Vertical can show dignity and formality.  Vertical express feelings of peace and stability.

  • Curved, Diagonal and Zig-Zag are considered active. Curved lines express activity. The larger the curve, the calmer the line appears.  A spiral can be hypnotic.

  • Diagonal lines express instability, tension and excitement.  Zig-zag lines can create confusion and intensity.

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