LINE

PACKE
T

Elements and Principles

of Art and Design

Element: Line
To show
Shape, Form, Space, Texture
Pattern, Movement, etc.

Seven Elements of Art

Line
Shape
Form
Value
Space
Texture
Color

Elements of Art =
Ingredients to a recipe
Need quality ingredients
for quality results
Follow the recipe:
Cant throw everything in
Principles of Design = Recipe
The Principles are how the Elements are
organized and combined

LINE:

The most fundamental, simplest,

universal element of art.
Literal Definition: A mark that spans a
distance between two points (or the path
of a moving point), taking any form along
the way; A moving dot.

Definition as an Element of Art:

The use of various marks, outlines and implied
lines in artwork and design, most often used to
define shape in two-dimensional work.

What is Line Used For?

Line can be used to show movement, shape,
form, value, space/perspective, gesture,
expression/emotion, etc.
Drawing is like taking
a line for a walk..

Contour:

Line, Outline, or Outside Edge

Blind contour drawing:

A contour drawing that is drawn
while looking at the object being drawn
without ever looking at the paper.
Eyes remain on the object at all times. The eyes
slowly follow the contours of the object being
drawn.
Every line, shape, and texture that is seen must be
translated directly through the eyes, hand, pencil,
and onto the paper. Pencil should never leave the
paper.

Line Variation:

Different kinds of lines:

Vary in direction, length, width/weight,
texture

Line Directions:
Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal, Zig Zag
(Combination of diagonal lines),
Curved (change direction gradually, can have
different degrees)

Line Weight:
Thickness or thinness of a line:
Varying the line weight makes objects more 3D
and interesting, adds value, dimension,
weight, and emphasis

Line Variation, Direction, Weight:

Implied Line:
The path that the viewer's
eye takes as it follows
shapes, colors, and form
along a path, but may not be
continuous or
physically connected.

Ellipse (in Art)

Elements: Line, Shape, Form

An oval that represents a circular

shape at an angle.
An ellipse can have a thickness of anywhere
between a line and a circle

Cross Contour

Elements: Line, Shape, Form,

Texture

Using line to show the form of a shape

Ellipses and ellipse-like marks
and measurements are used

Cross Contour

1 pt. and 2 pt. Perspective

Elements: Line, Shape, Form, Space

Always measure your angles

Find your vanishing point(s)
Your vanishing
points should both
rest on your horizon
line (eye level)

1 pt. Perspective: 1 vanishing point

2 pt. Perspective: 1 vanishing point

Preview: Hatching and CrossHatching:

Using line to create form and value. (This is
also part of the elements of shape, form,
value, and texture)

Gesture Drawing
Elements: Line, Shape, Form
Principles: Movement
-

Capturing the essence

Not what it is, but what it is doing

Looseness: A controlled scribble

Tips for gesture drawing:

Begin with one directional line for the spine
Find direction of shoulders and hips
Loose drawing; use whole arm, relax
Draw the whole figure at once
Imagine that you are the model
Draw from the inside out
Start lightly, then gradually build darker
Darker strokes show weight / tension

Expressive Line:
Line that shows a certain mood, feeling, or
emotion through variation, direction, weight,
implication,etc.

Portrait of
Igor
Stravinsky
By
Pablo Picasso
(Spain)

1920

Rhinoceros By Albrecht Drer

Mathematician, Theorist)
Drawing
& Woodcut

1515213

(German Artist,

Studies for the

Libyan Sibyl
By Michelangelo
Italy

(Renaissance)

1508

New City By John Hultberg

Oil on Canvas America

1957

Classic Landscape by Charles

Sheeler
Oil on Canvas America

1931

Number 8 by Jackson Pollock

Oil, enamel, and aluminum on Canvas America

1949

Art History Questions (Write these

questions and answers in your
sketchbook):
1. Where do you see implied line? How is the implied
line working?
2. Where do you see different line weight? Where is
the heaviest line weight, and why is it there?
3. What other types of line do you see? Where, and
how?
4. Where do you see movement? Where does it start,
where does it go, and where does it end?
5. What kind of mood or emotion do you get from this
image? Why do you think that you get this reaction
from this piece?
6. Individual Question: Which of these artworks is your

Reflection Questions (Write these

questions and answers in your
sketchbook):
1. What was your favorite activity in the Line
Unit? Why?
2. What is something new that you learned in
this unit that you didnt know before?
3. Which activity did you most successfully use
your right brain? How do you know?
4. What was something that you struggled
with during this unit? How did you overcome
this obstacle?
5. What are your suggestions for me?

Line Unit Activities

Left Brain vs. Right Brain
Drawing Symbols vs. Drawing from Observation
Contour
Blind Contour Drawing
Expressive Line
Line Direction & Variation
Implied Line
Line Weight
Ellipses
Cross-Contour
2-Point Perspective
Facial Proportions
Gesture Drawing
How line is used by various artists