A r t F o unda ti o ns
R i gh t / Le ft B ra i n ; E c h o e s
L INE
Learning Goals:
You will learn about the
different hemispheres of
your brain and how it af-
fects learning.
You will use this knowledge
to practice basic drawing
skills using the art element
line.
You will use line to create
movement.
Line Vocabulary:
• Directional: Vertical, hori-
zontal, diagonal
• Contour: Defines the edg-
es of shape in space
• Cross-contour: Defines
the edges of forms in
space
• Geometric: Angular lines
• Curvilinear: Lines which
cure in space; devoid of
angles
• Organic: Lines which re-
minds us of contours
found in nature
• Quality: Thickness or thin-
ness of a line
• Implied line: Disconnect-
ed segments or points,
which appear to be one
connected line
RIGHT/ LEFT BRAIN
Your brain has two differ-
ent hemispheres that con-
trol different actions
How does your brain decide
which mode will take up the
job?
 Speed; which hemi-
sphere gets to the job
the quickest
 Motivation; which hemi-
sphere cares most or
likes the task the best
(conversely, which hemi-
sphere cares the least
“ECHOES”
Begin by drawing an ab-
stract, free-form line on
the page. Then use oth-
er lines to echo the origi-
nal line, flowing with it,
into it, and away from it.
Even very young children
can merely trace outside
a line. You must create
new variations away
from your first lines to
make it look different!
This is an exercise using
only line to create a sensa-
tion of bulging, three-
dimensional form and
movement. Look at the
samples of warping and
examine the technique.
and likes the job the
least)
Procedure:
 In your sketchbook try to
draw the Picasso image
on one full page in your
sketchbook. You will
have 30 minutes.
 Turn the handout upside
down and cover it all but
and inch. Draw the lines
you see. When you finish
that section, uncover
another inch, etc.
 Do Not look at the entire
You will notice that the
effect of waves is created
by varying three things:
 Direction of the line
 Darkness of the line
 Density of the line
Practice your echoes on
sketch paper until you
seem to get it right….when
the page seems to ripple
image!
 Do Not Trace!
 Step by step slowly!
Drawing is largely perceived
to be a Right Brain function
but the Left Brain is dominate
and speedy and very prone to
rush in with words and sym-
bols , even taking over jobs
that it is not good at.
Exercises like this will help
you tune out the left side
of your brain in order to
create better drawings!
with organic forms you’ve
got it. Remember to vary
your lines in the three ways
described above.
Do a full page of echoes,
filling it with undulated
forms. Keep you pencil
sharp and make clean,
sharp, smooth and contin-
uous lines. Trace over your
lines with sharpie and add
color if you desire.