Line

LINE

The element of art used to definespaces, contours and outlines, orsuggest mass and volume.• It may be a continuous mark madewith a pointed, moving tool or

impliedby the edges of shapes and forms.

DESCRIPTIVE LINES

• created with a variety of tools• include outlines, contour lines,

single lines or hatching• make recognizable pictures,

helping us understand what we’re seeing

OUTLINES

lines surrounding a shape, describing

the outer edges • They have little variation and

appear flat.

CONTOUR LINESContour lines describe theouter edges of shapes andsurfaces within a formsuch as wrinkles and folds.• They vary in thickness and

give a sense of depth.

HATCHING/CROSSHATCHING

HATCHING- Shading using thin, closely spaced parallel lines

CROSSHATCHING- Hatching lines that intersect

OPTICAL MIXING

An effect when colors or values laidside by side blend together. The

mixingtakes place in the eye.

IMPLIED LINES

Lines indirectly indicated in artworks, suggesting an edge rather than defining one:

• at edges where two shapes meet• where one form ends and the

space around it begins• by positioning several objects or

figures in a row.

Point out the IMPLIED LINES:

EDGEExists where one shape ends andanother begins. Where do you see edges inthis artwork?

CLOSUREThe tendency to “see” completefigures where lines are left open.Where do you see closure in thisartwork?

LINES OF SIGHTImplied lines suggested by following the gazeof people in an artwork. Where are your eyesled in this painting?

EXPRESSIVE LINES

Lines produced to express an idea, mood

or quality, such as graceful, nervous,aggressive, etc.

ABSTRACT LINES

Usually found in abstract art, these arelines that do not define anyrecognizable images. They are only

meantto be seen as lines.

ABSTRACT LINES