Line by Denise Sadberry
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The element of design called "line" is a basic component of any visual expression. The foundation for any visual representation is the element of line. A line can be defined as having both width and length, with the width being very small when compared to the length. It is an important visual communication tool. Line was created as the simplest way to communicate visually. We can see examples of this in the drawings and pictographs of the cavemen. From the beginning of time man has used line to draw, and to write. We see evidence of line throughout history. There are lines in the Egyptian pyramids, the manuscripts of the Middle Ages, the artistic works of the masters, and in the computer graphics we see today. Lines are everywhere you look. Lines are found in nature as well as in the human-made environment. The lines we find in nature are generally free flowing, curving, unique, and uneven. |
| Plants, animals, and the topography of the land show an endless variety of lines. One rarely finds a naturally occurring line to be rigidly straight or perfectly symmetrically curved. An example of this can be found in the lines of a persons hand. |  |
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All of us at one time or another have been soothed by the gentle lines of waves. Lines can also be found in the clouds or on pumpkins waiting to become Jack-o-lanterns. |  |
Lines are uses to create all of the letters, numbers and symbols that we write. They are also used when we draw pictures. When you look at a map the lines show the best ways to get to a destination.
In contrast to the gentle, flowing, unique lines of nature, we find lines that are much more precise, and symmetrical in structures that have been created by humans. This precision can be seen in the construction of a house. There are a variety of lines, horizontal, vertical, and diagonal, but each line has a specific place and purpose.
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It is extremely difficult to isolate line as a separate element of design. Lines by themselves are one dimensional. Lines that are put together create two dimensional shapes and three dimensional forms. This can also be turned around to describe the edges of all shapes as lines. Space can also be defined a shaped by lines. |
There are five basic ways which a line may vary in appearance:
- Length - Lines can be long or short.
- Width - Lines can be wide or thin.
- Texture - Lines can be rough or smooth.
- Direction - Lines can move in any direction, such as vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.
- Degree of curve - Lines can curve gradually or not at all, become wavy, or form spirals.
There are numerous words which convey the visual expression of lines such as: narrow, wide, dark, light, feathery, wispy, delicate, fragmented, rough, smooth, wavy, jagged, long, short, directional, continuous, fluid, static, simple, complicated, angular, curved, turning, bending, sweeping, sharp, fuzzy, quick, orderly, ridged, knotted, stable, powerful, and weak. Visual communication is extremely dependent of lines. Visual communication is heavily dependent on lines. Curved and flowing lines can communicate motion. Curved lines change directions which causes them to express activity. The more curved the more active the line seems. A spiral is an example of a very curved line that show a lot of action.
Diagonal and zigzag lines are active lines also. These lines give the feeling of action and movement because they seem to be pulled one way or the other. They are used by the artist to add tension or excitement. Zigzags that move horizontally, such as those at the top of a pickett fence or the rooftops of apartments, appear to be much less active than the irregular zigzags of a lightening streak. However, when two diagonals meet and seem to hold each other up they appear to be more stable, as in the roof of a house.
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Vertical lines often show strength and formality, while horizontal lines can produce a calm or quieting effect. Both horizontal and vertical lines give the appearance of stability. An implied line is demonstrated by people or objects in a row. A row of frogs show an implied visual line. |
| Blurred lines demonstrate distance while bold lines seem much closer. The variation of line affects the sense of space. Lines can also communicate texture such as the prickliness of a cactus or the bumpiness of a toad. The roughness of the bricks of a house or the smoothness of a piece of glass is communicated through lines. |  |
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Lines also demonstrate and provide direction. They can lead the eye down a winding road in a painting or up a tall tree. They can shake the eye's view with a jagged bolt of lightening. Our feelings can be affected by the quality of lines. Jagged lines can create confusion or tension, while long curving lines can have a soothing effect Each individual interprets the visual communication. To achieve the desired communication the sender of the visual message can increase the effectiveness with appropriate use of lines as the basic element of visual design. Even though all of the elements of design are important, the element of line is the foundation for all of the elements. Therefore, without lines it would be difficult to create visual communication. |
Online Examples:
The Pyramids by Haghe
This work of art done in black and white really shows the lines of the pyramids. http://search.famsf.org/4d.acgi$Record?13288&=list&=1&=pyramids
%20&=and&=12&=0&=keywords&=Yes&=&=&=&=A Biblical Illustration by Albrecht Durer
This work of art was created totally by lines. The artist drew lines to not only shape the art but also to show the texture and other elements. To see the lines you have to zoom in. http://search.famsf.org/4d.acgi$Record?56148&=list&=1&=&=and
&=1&=0&=keywords&=Yes&=Durer%20&=&=15%20&=
Bibliography
Ragans, R. (1988). Arttalk. Glencoe, Calif.
Gatta K., Lange G., and Lyons, M.(1991). Foundations of Graphic Design. Davis, Mass.
Klaustermeier, D. (1997). Art Projects by Design. Teacher Ideas Press, Colo.
Aguayo, D. (1998). Design by the Moon.
http://www.pages.prodigy.net/mira/line.htm
