Sunday, July 14, 2019

Looking to Lines


While nature might not be overflowing with perfect lines, artists use them strategically to define shapes and create details.  Think about it – edges in the real world are rarely crisp lines. Often, it's a subtle change in color or value.


But in art, lines become a valuable tool. They help us define areas, create details like strands of hair or veins on a leaf, and contain shapes within the artwork. Lines can be explicit, like an outline that tells us where to paint, or they can be implied.


For example, imagine a row of geese flying across the sky. There's no actual line connecting them, but the viewer's eye will perceive them as a line because of their positioning. Here, the geese become an implied line.


Three main types of lines:


Curved lines: These are the soft edges you see in arcs, circles, and natural shapes like clouds, figures, and most organic forms.

Straight lines: Horizontal lines evoke a sense of calmness, while vertical lines create a feeling of upward movement. Using both in balance can add visual interest.

Angular lines: Diagonals and zigzags create a sense of tension, excitement, or action in your artwork.


Remember, variety is key! Just like uneven shapes are often more engaging than perfect ones, using a variety of lines can add dynamism and intrigue to your art.

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