exploring lines

7 March 2011 Ashleigh Benn

Use of line..

Exploration of Line* principles of line * types of line * line in nature * line in design

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Principles of line

Qualities of line• Depth, Tone (thickness)• Gradient• Direction (movement)• Organic• Geometric• Curvilinear• Rectilinear


Types of line



http://cnx.org/content/m24870/latest/


Depth, Tone and Thickness

• As one can see in the picture here, alternative pressures and thickness' used in line can create depth and tone. The closer the line the deeper the image.




Gradient

• The intense usage of line here creates an intensity in the mark making, one can almost feel the depth that has been created.




Direction, Movement

• In this image, fast paced movements are shown in the lines that are very close together and dark in colour. The less ‘angry’ lines depict the ‘froth’ of the wave, which is lighter and more gentle.



http://artandwater.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html


Continuous

• Continuity in line can give a soft feminine emotion, and can also give depth without having to place intensive tonal elements.



http://johngushue.typepad.com/blog/2008/01/continuity.html


Organic

• Organic lines are found in nature and form irregular shapes. In this image the loosely drawn lines give a smooth texture to the drawing as well as a relaxed emotional quality.



http://perfect-imperfection.com/2009/06/organic/


Geometric

• This picture shows thought and measurements. There are calculations in the line and this depicts an almost clinical approach in the mark making.



http://www.abcteach.com/directory/clip_art/art_and_artists/


Curvilinear

• This image is characterized by curved lines. Here the piece takes on a feminine, mystical feeling because of the ‘fairytale’ quality of the line.




Rectilinear

• A masculine form of line that is characterized by straight lines. Here the straight lines are used to give an accurate perspective.




Drawn line

• Hand drawn lines add an emotional emphasis to an image that is rarely seen in any other form of mark making, the creator of the images shows part of their own emotional path on the paper.




Horizontal

• This is one of artist Dana McClure’s line series, I thought this piece was breathtaking and loved the way she enforced texture by using changes in tone and colour in her line work. Horizontal lines evoke a restful feeling, the line also has a masculine quality.



http://www.lostateminor.com/2010/12/18/dana-mcclures-line-series/


Vertical

• I thought this was an interesting example of vertical line usage. If you look closely at the eye, one can see all the actual marks that have been made are vertical. This gives the piece a ‘somber’ emotion and a slightly more masculine quality.



http://feathertickler.deviantart.com/art/Vertical-Line-Drawing-140491768


Contour

• Contour lines give shape and movement with little tonal value. There is something rather beautiful in the imperfections found in the contours.



http://www.quia.com/jg/426706list.html


Varying Pressure

• As we can see here, varying pressure in line gives ones eye subtle notification where depth in the image should be. Lighter areas feel thin and more airy.



http://drawsketch.about.com/od/flowerdrawing/ss/flower_drawing_2.htm


Form

• I really love drawings that depict ‘form’ in a free handed approach. Sketches depicting form can create movement. Here, our eyes almost see the figure moving.



http://blogs.hebali.com/itp/?p=92


Diagrammatic

• These lines are used to show structure and how something could be fitted together or made to work.



http://www.bogdanskikonstruktion.de/en/front_content.php?idcat=96


Cross hatching

• Thought this example of cross-hatching was apt because of the ‘literal’ representation of the thumb ‘coming out’ of the cross- hatch. Cross hatching creates a tonal value that makes an image very realistic.



http://paulrodecker.blogspot.com/2009/01/drawing-of-day-cross-hatch.html


Invisible line

• Notice the line drawn down the centre of these figures. To have this kind of invisible line, it makes it easier to create proportions.



http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574793


Line in Nature

• This image I think is a great depiction of how we find lines in the world around us.



http://www.woodka.com/2005/10/15/horizon/


Line in design

• Here a continuous line is shown in a piece of jewellery. This bracelet is given an organic feel because of the lack of detail.



http://www.ldnfashion.net/2011/02/new-h-stern-collection-launches-at-harrods/


Thank you

exploring lines

Documents

continuous line

line work

types of line http

exploration of line

use of line

masculine form of line

line hand drawn lines

intense usage of line