*Space *Light

*Line *Color

*Shape/Form *Texture/Pattern

& Scale

An elongated mark connecting two points or defining the edge of a shape.

Line

Aspects of Line

Path

Width

Continuity

Sharpness

Contour

Consistency

Length

Direction

Within each aspect are numerous variations, conveying its own psychological and physical effects.

Aspects of Line

PATH

Straight

Curved Straight Variations

(zigzag)

Path

PHYSICAL EFFECTS

Straight: emphasizes angularity, tends to conceal body

Straight Variations(zigzag):

Curved: Emphasizes Roundness

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Straight: stiffness, directness, tension, stubbornness, masculinity, self-assurance, austerity

Straight Variations: sharpness, abruptness, instability, nervousness, excitement

Curved: Flexibility, grace, femininity, fluidity, ease, subtlety, youth

Aspects of Line

Width

THIN THICK

Width

Physical Effects

Thick: Adds weight

Thin: Minimizes weight

Psychological Effects

Thick: forcefulness, self-assurance, aggressiveness, masculinity

Thin: Delicateness, daintiness, gentleness, serenity, passivity, subtlety

Aspects of Line

Continuity

Broken Unbroken

Continuity

Physical Effects

Unbroken: Smoothness, emphasizes bumps and curves

Broken: Emphasizes irregularities

Psychological Effects

Unbroken: Constancy, elegance, smoothness, grace

Broken: Less rigidity, playfulness, informality, casualness, busyness

Aspects of Line

Sharpness

Fuzzy Sharp

Sharpness

Physical Effects

Sharp: Emphasizes contours it follows

Fuzzy: Softens contour, gently increases area, reduces definition of edge or shape

Psychological Effects

Sharp: Assertiveness, boldness, precision, hardness

Fuzzy: Softness, indecisiveness, femininity, gentleness, ease

Aspects of Line

Contour

Shaped Smooth

Contour

Physical Effects:

Smooth: Reinforces smoothness or accents shapes

Shaped: Effect varies depending on elements of shape

Psychological Effects Smooth:

Straightforwardness, simplicity, boldness, assertiveness, hardness, definitive precision

Shaped: Complexity, informality, deviousness

Consistency

Consistency

Porous Solid

Consistency

Physical Effects:

Solid: Advances boldly

Porous: Does not advance may recede

Psychological Effects:

Solid: Smoothness, self-assurance, strength

Porous: Openness, delicacy, weakness refinement, uncertainty

Length

Length

Short Long

Length

Physical Effects:

Long: Emphasizes its direction, smoothes and elongates

Short: Breaks up spaces

Psychological Effects

Long: Evaluation relative to figure, stress on continuity, grace

Short: Possibly busyness, agitation

Direction

Direction

Horizontal

Diagonal Vertical

Direction

Physical Effects:

Vertical: Lengthens, narrows

Horizontal: Shortens, widens

Diagonal:

near vertical = lengthens, near horizontal = widens

45 effect = influenced by other factors

Psychological Effects:

Vertical: Dignity, strength, poise, elegance, superiority, grandness, alertness, austerity

Horizontal: Tranquility, repose, calmness, serenity, passiveness

Diagonal: Dramatic, vivacious, unsettled, active, unstable, dynamic

Line in Composition

Line Can Simulate 3D & Texture

Line in Architecture

Line in Clothing

Line in Light

Scenic Design

Lighting Design

Costume Design

Line in Composition