Line Vocabulary Flashcards
An element of art that is the path of a moving point through space. Although they vary in appearance with differing lengths, widths, textures, directions, and degree of curve, they are considered one-dimensional and are measured by length. They are also used by an artist to control the viewer’s eye movement.
Line
A line that shows or creates the outer edges of a shape
Outline
Defines the edges and surface ridges of an object. It also creates a boundary separating one area from another. Move the pencil at the same speed as your eyes. Do not lift the pencil from the paper. The line should be continuous. Draw slowly.
Contour line
an expressive movement. The purpose of drawing them is to capture the feeling or the motion. Uses very little detail and are drawn quickly. They should be sketched freely and loosely – even recklessly – in order to capture the movement. They represent the interior of an object.
Gesture
means beautiful handwriting. often associated with Asian writing and art. In China and Japan, it is used to form characters that represent the language. However, characters are more than just a letter of the alphabet. They are like pictures. They can represent an idea, an object, or a verbal sound. are usually made with brushstrokes that change from thin to thick in one stroke. To make a thin line, use the tip of the brush. As you press on the brush and more of it touches the paper, the line becomes wider.
Calligraphy
are static, or inactive. They run up and down and are used to convey height, stability and dignity. Artists use them to show stiffness, and formality and sometimes an ethereal quality.
Vertical lines
are static. They express feelings of peace, rest, quiet, and also stability. They give a feeling permanence.
Horizontal lines
express a sense of movement in a fluid way. How much activity they express depends on the type and direction. The less active, the calmer the feeling. often used in decorative arts to suggest a feeling of luxury.
Curved lines
express a sense of action movement creating tension and or drama, activity, and excitement.
Diagonal lines
are suggested lines, a series of points that the viewer’s eyes automatically connect. A series of dots or dashes, a line of machine stitches, or a trail of wet footprints can create it
Implied lines
an imaginary line from a figure’s eyes to a viewed object. can help direct your attention from one part of a design to another.
Line of Sight
is the technique of crossed lines for shading. The lines may be parallel or they may cross one another.
Crosshatching
