ELEMENTS OF DESIGN: LINE

DEFINITION OF A LINE: 

In art, we define a line differently than in mathematics. Math tells us that a line is the distance between two points, and it has only length, no width. In art, however, it not only has width, but several other properties as well. Some people define it as a point that makes a journey. And indeed, we can use line to help us journey through a work of art. 

Pictured below, with art's definition, lines can be thin or thick; curved or calligraphic (having both thick and thin areas); it can be zig zag or spiral; it can be blurry or even "implied,"smooth or rough.

LINE AND EMOTION

Line can show how you feel about your subject. Very vertical lines appear static or at rest. They imply stability and are used to show dignity, poise, or formality. The vertical lines below remind me of the columns in a government building; trees in a forest; tall buildings in a city; fence posts.

Horizontal lines, shown below, are also a bit static, not much movement going on. Maybe because it feels like you are standing on solid ground, you get a feeling of permanence, quiet, rest, peace, even solidarity. I think of sunsets, calm bodies of water, days at the beach, a southern Texas field of flowers. 

DIAGONAL LINES begin to show more energy. In fact, they can feel a bit unstable, and are used to create tension (not a bad thing), or an exciting mood. I think of waterfalls, mountain slopes, falling, going up or downhill. 

Diagonal lines feel more stable when they meet. When lines cross in your picture, that intersection is sure to be an attention getter. You still get a feeling of action, excitement, but perhaps more controlled. 

Curving lines show movement, like ocean waves, and move your eye through the paintng. 

They change direction and express activity. Gentle, horizontal curves are peaceful. If you painted vertical curves, it might look like seaweed being gently swayed by the movement of the water. 

Zigzag lines seem to feel most unstable, creating a feeling of confusion. They evoke feelings of excitement, nervousness. 

Spirals can feel hypnotic. They draw the eye to the center, and often create a feeling of luxury. 

If you put a zigzag on a horizontal line, as below, it feels more stable. Think rooftops in a town, picket fence post tops. 

PLAYING THE "LINE & EMOTION" GAME

You need 3 x 5 cards and a list of situations that evoke different emotions, such as:

a day at the beach

riding a horse

motorcycle ride

fishing

walk in the woods

waterfall

skiing

skydiving

waiting in line at the store

holding a sleeping baby

splashing in the pool

receiving sad news

mountains

crowded city with tall buildings

falling

kissing/hugging

watching a sunset

riding in an airplane

Pull one of these at random. Then draw, using only line, how you FEEL about that emotional situation. (not shapes, so don't close in any lines). Some people can have totally different emotions about an activity. One person may LOVE skiing; another might find it terrifying. Then compare notes to see how others represented their response. 

 For example, if I had chosen "a day at the beach" my lines might be curved, horizontal lines to suggest rolling waves and a peaceful feeling. Someone else, who finds it more exciting, might draw a spiral for the sun, and some diagonals for windsurfing that they enjoy. Expect these to look cartoonish, because they should only take 30 seconds to do. 

HOW DOES LINE APPLY TO USING DESIGN PRINCIPLES?

On the left you can see line used to show gradation and change of direction. The yellow lines go from thick to thin as they gradually change direction. The pink lines, all the sirectame size, continue the feeling of changing direction. 

On the right, you see line used to create "value," (another ELEMENT) as you would when shading a drawing with tight, close lilnes.

Two ways line shows value: Tightly spaced lines, and cross hatched lines.

Below I've used line at different angles and different sizes to show perspective, as a road with posts on the side, converging in the distance. PERSPECTIVE and DIRECTION are the principles. 

Also, line can be used to direct attention to a focal area, or EMPHASIS, another principle of design. 

In the picture below, I would probably put the emphasis in the area where the lines nearly converge.

Below, line is showing PATTERN, RHYTHM, and VARIETY. A pattern of different sized lines, creating a rhythm, but a variety of sizes and placement. This pattern tends to give the picture UNITY also, another principle of design.