Elements of Art: Lines

Line is simply a moving dot. It is the most basic element of art. Light can also create an illusion of form. Line is the most fundamental element of art. Line quality is the thickness of thinness of a line. Line quality can be used to add variety and the illusion of form.

Line can also create the illusion of form in a drawing. Line quality is the thickness or thinness of a line by varying the line quality an artist can show form in a drawing with just the use of line.

Incorporating with lines into your artworks is a great way to bring attention to the focal point, roads, rivers, fields, tracks are the best examples.

Exercise: Draw as many as different lines possible on a pieces of paper. Add blind contour line drawing.

Thicken up the lines enhance line quality to create the illusion of form.

Variations and uses of lines. Type of Lines:

Vertical lines - lines that move up and down without any slant.

Horizontal lines - lines that are parallel to the horizon

Diagonal lines - lines that slant

Zigzag lines - lines made from a combination of diagonal lines

Curved lines - Lines that change direction gradually

Line Variation :

Adding interest to your lines is important in creating successful artwork.

Length - lines can be long or short

Width - lines can be wide or skinny

Texture - lines can be rough or smooth

Direction - lines can move in any direction

Degree of curve - lines can curve gradually or not at all

Line quality or line weight-refers to the thickness or thinness of a line. By varying the line quality artists can make objects appear more 3-dimensional and more interesting

Hatching and crosshatching - using lines to create value

Hatching - lines going in the same direction

Cross Hatching - lines that cross

Using Cross Contour Lines to Improve Your Painting

What is the difference between cross contour lines and contour lines? What are cross contour lines used for?

You will learn the concept of cross contour lines and its effects on form and light. You will learn how to use cross contour lines to give the illusion of form and light.

Contour (outline) lines are simply "outlines". We typically use contour lines to define the edges of objects and details within them. Contour lines are visible lines or lines defined by contrast. In other words, we can actually see contour lines in most circumstances.

The best way to understand the concept of cross contour lines is to simply practice drawing them by observing a subject. Simple objects, like a pineapple , work best if you are new to this concept.

Cross contour lines used to communicate the form of the object further.

Exercise 2: Place a pineapple on the table and flow a series of exercises designed to reinforce concepts.

1. Draw a contour line of the pineapple. 2. Then do a blind contour line drawing.Enhance that drawing by adjusting line quality. 3. Enhance the drawing further by adding cross contour lines to indicate form and value.

This is practical reason for understanding cross contour lines.

Cross contour lines are implied lines that may or may not be visible on the subject. Instead of defining the edges and details of the subject, cross contour lines describe the form. Cross contour lines flow over the form of the object.

This concept is important in communicating form in your drawings and paintings and can help you make smart decisions regarding the direction of your stroke - whether it be with a pencil, pen, or brush.

While cross contour lines can flow in generally any direction, in most circumstances, you'll want to consider lines that flow vertically or horizontally around the form. The brush strokes or marks made with a drawing medium are more effective in communicating the form of the subject if they flow with the cross contour lines.

The strokes that are made with a pencil or a brush should flow in harmony with the cross contours of the subject and in turn, communicate more about the form of the object. When combined with a consistent use of value, the illusion of form in a drawing or painting is easily achieved.