LineA line is an element characterized by length and direction.Artists use lines to create edges, the outlines of objects.A line is created by the movement of the artist's pen, or implied by the

edges of shapes and forms Lines create contours and form, and are often used to convey a

specific kind of feeling or point to an important feature in a design. Lines are also used to create perspective, and dominant directional

lines are often adopted to create a sense of continuance in a composition.

In addition, lines that are grouped together often create a sense of value, density or texture.

http://www.artsconnected.org/toolkit/watch_types_line.cfm

Characteristic of Line

• Width- thick, thin, tapering, uneven

• Length - long, short, continuous, broken

• Direction- horizontal ( ), vertical( ), diagonal ( ), curving( ), perpendicular( ), oblique ( ), parallel ( ), radial ( ), zigzag( )

• Focus- sharp, blurry, fuzzy, choppy

• Feeling- sharp, jagged, graceful, smooth

Line Direction

• The direction of a line can convey mood

Picasso- The Bullfight

Munch- Litho- The Scream

Horizontal Lines• Horizontal lines are calm and quiet.• Horizontal line suggests a feeling of rest or repose. Objects

parallel to the earth are at rest. Therefore compositions in which horizontal lines dominate tend to be quiet and restful in feeling.

Local artist Jennifer Amenta- Linear landscapes showing at the Atrium Gallery in Centrepointe this September.

• Vertical lines suggest more of a potential for movement

• Vertical lines express strength

• Vertical lines communicate a feeling of loftiness and spirituality . Erect lines seem to extend upwards beyond human reach, toward the sky

Vertical Lines

Diagonal Lines• Diagonal lines suggest a

feeling of movement or direction. Since objects in a diagonal position are unstable, being neither vertical nor horizontal, they are either about to fall, or are already in motion

• ZIGZAG and DIAGONAL lines are read as energetic, explosive, and dramatic.

Claudia Salguera: showing at the atrium December 14, 2007 to January 16, 2008

Diagonal lines are dynamic, directiomal and action-oriented.

• Horizontal and vertical lines in combination communicate stability and solidity. Rectilinear forms stay put in relation to gravity, and are not likely to tip over. This stability suggests permanence, reliability and safety. In the case of the man in this family group, the lines seem to imply stability to the point of stodginess.

• Deep, acute curves, on the other hand, suggest confusion, turbulence, even frenzy, as in the violence of waves in a storm, the chaos of a tangled thread, or the turmoil of lines suggested by the forms of a crowd. The complicated curves used to form the mother in the family group shown above suggest a fussy, frivolous personality. http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/element/element.htm

• Curved lines do vary in meaning, however. Soft, shallow curves suggest comfort, safety, familiarity, relaxation. They recall the curves of the human body, and therefore have a pleasing, sensual quality

• CURVING lines often create the appearance of harmony, rhythm and gracefullness.

Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse

• THICK lines often make the work of art appear aggressive and strong.

• THIN lines are sometimes read as delicate and fragile

Name the type of line and feelings.

Claude Monet Poplars

Thomas Hill Benton- I Got A Girl on Sourwood Mountain (1938)

The Sleeping Gypsy –Henri Rousseau

Roussesau- Alley in the Park St. Cloud

Great Wave at Kanagana (Katushika Hokusai)

                                                                    "The Funeral of Phocion" Nicolas Poussin

Rape of the Sabine Women by Nicholas Poussin

Christ on the Cross 1632Velazquez, Diego

Peter Paul Rubens's The Raising of the Cross

Salvador Dali-Christ of St John of the Cross

Lawren Harris

Piet Mondrian

Starry Night- Vincent van Gogh

Types of Line• Outlines- Lines made by the edge of an object or its silhouette.

• • Contour Lines- Lines that

describe the shape of an object and the interior detail.

• Gesture Lines- Line that are energetic and catches the movement and gestures of an active figure.

• Sketch Lines- Lines that captures the appearance of an object or impression of a place.

• Calligraphic Lines- Greek word meaning “beautiful writing.” Precise, elegant handwriting or lettering done by hand. Also artwork that has flowing lines like an elegant handwriting.