Expressive Line Notes
Expressive Line
Expressive Line
- Expressive lines are produced to express:
Line Definition
- A series of marks that connect, moving in a direction.
- Connects two points and can go on infinitely.
- It can create:
- Shapes
- Texture
- Variety in art
- It can also create a sense of depth depending on its properties.
Structures of Line
Applied Lines
- Real lines are lines that we create.
- Usually easily seen and recognized.
Implied Lines
- Objects, images, strokes, create through the sense of the line being there.
- Examples: colour, value, paint etc.
Line Characteristics
- A drawing can be characterized as:
- Curvilinear or angular
- Continuous or interrupted
- Broad or delicate
- Rough or precise
Rhythm
- Some lines repeating its movements or gestures can be considered rhythmic.
Line Expression
- We often associate certain feelings with line shape, movement and direction.
- Artists often rely on line personalities or the general characteristics of a line, to convey a specific mood or feeling.
Directional Line: Mood and Feelings
Horizontal Lines:
- Expresses the sense of restfulness, stability and stillness.
Vertical Lines:
- Can express the sense of order and stability.
Diagonal Lines:
- Can evoke the sense of motion, energy and dynamism.
Line Properties
- Thick or thin
- Long, or short
- Dashed, dotted, broken
- Curved, spiral, wavey
- Angled, Zig-Zag, Jagged
- Scalloped, Chevron, Crossed
Thick and Thin Lines
- Thick and broad lines convey the idea of strength and power.
- Thin lines portrait the feeling of weakness or fragility.
Curved Lines
- The curve of a line can convey energy.
- Soft, shallow curves suggest comfort, safety, familiarity, relaxation.
- They recall the curves of the human body, and therefore have a pleasing, sensual quality.
Zig-Zag Lines
- These lines diagonal lines are connected at different angles, which causes the sense of action, excitement and confusion.
Line and Movement
- Line can be used to indicate movement or to help move the audiences eye around the image.
- Both real and implied line can force the viewer to follow a direction or evoke a mood.
- Always consider what lines you are using and how they support your ideas.
Line Composition
- Compositions can have a variety of diagonal line, whose energies can play off of each other making a piece much more dynamic and exciting.
- These varied and opposing diagonal line cause the eye to move throughout the piece and create visual movement.
- This keeps the mind active and gives us the sense of excitement.