Lesson 02: Kinds of Lines

Class# 2: Kinds of Lines                          Jan. 21-25         

Materials needed:  ??Strathmore Sketchbook Pad (9 x 12)?Drawing pencils ?Pencil sharpener?Sanford kneaded erasers

As one of the elements of art, line is an essential tool in drawing.  Lines can express emotion, create depth or define a space, and every beginning artist should master basic kinds of lines before moving on to more complex techniques.   Below are the different kinds of lines we will be looking at in today’s class:

Contour Lines:  Contour lines define the outline of an area.  For instance, to draw an apple using contour lines, one would draw a clear and steady outline of that subject as well as the outline of the shadows within that subject.  Click on the link below to see an example of a contour line drawing.  Here are some examples:

•  http://tmrart.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/hydrangea.jp?

•  http://hillgrovehighschool.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c0d4453ef010536cdfdc1970c-800wi?

•  http://katieobrien.typepad.com/.a/6a01156f629f91970c011570897dbc970b-500wi

Expressive Lines:  Expressive lines convey emotion based on their character and weight.  This type of line is often found in abstract expressionist works, but expressive lines can also be used to punctuate an idea or emotion in representational works.  Here are some examples:

•  http://www.artistsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/skbk_feb01_gesture3.gif?

•  http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1230/1482198836_75f1dbf5b9.jpg?

•  http://hisartroom.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/good-2-medium.jpg

Hatched Lines:  Hatching is one method of shading with lines in which the artists draws parallel lines to express the idea of a shadow or dark tone.  The closer together the lines are drawn; the darker the shadow will appear.  Here are some examples:

•  http://www.atpm.com/9.10/images/design-hatching.gif?

•  http://www.learntoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/straight-hatching-and-cross-hatching-300x159.jpg?

•  http://www.tanianault.ca/thescratchboard/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/linehatchegg_tsb.jpg

Cross Hatching Lines:  Cross-hatching is a similar shading technique in which a second set of parallel lines are drawn intersecting the first set.  Just like hatching, the closer the crosshatched lines are drawn together the darker the shadow will appear.  Here are some examples:?

•  http://pencilweb.co.uk/tutorial/technique_penink_hatching/hatching_cross.jpg?

•  http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8UF8TuYd8Qk/TLyrBxR87UI/AAAAAAAAABA/eveIS0J-93U/s1600/Crosshatching_Tutorial_by_Indefatigable42.jpg?

•  http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/3215952473_52fbf6c014.jpg

Implied Lines:  An implied line is a line that is created by placing elements within the composition in a linear pattern.  The actual line is not visible, but the idea is conveyed by the space not filled with other elements such as hatched lines.  Here are some examples:

•  http://lnhsgraphicdesign1.pbworks.com/f/1283974335/02imp_line01.png?

•  http://finearts.fontbonne.edu/115/proj/p_i/02imp_line02.png

Combining Line Styles:  Often artists will combine different types of lines within a single drawing or artwork.  One well-known artist who does this kind of work is named Rauph Steadmen.  Here are some examples of his artwork:?

•  http://www.harikari.com/images/2008/05/bs_steadman_fear_loathinginlasvegas.jpg?

•  http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1DVjF5lJwp4/TJ7-Zy2pmYI/AAAAAAAAAQY/x1tR_pbZ8Mc/s1600/huntertyping.jpg?

•  http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kt0ug1uYJG1qaplcjo1_500.jpg

Homework Assignment:?Now that you have learned about the different kinds of lines used in art it is your turn to try them.  Using your sketchbook paper draw 6 boxes measuring 3 inches by 4 inches.  You can draw two boxes per page. ?In each of the boxes that you drew, draw a circle using a different kind of line.  Here is an example of a circle that was drawn using crosshatched lines. 

•  http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4KsLkkjn30/TbD-okCxD6I/AAAAAAAAAGU/XSDGGWyvAuk/s320/cross-hatching-ink.gif

Your homework is to draw 6 circles using the 6 styles of lines that you have just learned about (Contour, Expressive, Hatching, Cross Hatching, Implied and Combined).?After you have done your six drawings, scan your work and upload it onto your Flickr page.  In the Flickr “Description” panel be sure to include what kind of lines you used for your drawing.  Any work that has not been uploaded by the evening of Jan. 25 will be marked down one letter grade.

This concludes the second class for AR101.  If you have any questions regarding the material or assignment please email your instructor at art101@com.fsm