Line Study

Q: What happens when you repeat lines or when lines intersect?

A: The repetition of lines can insinuate motion or speed in a drawing. As seen in the bottom right, the small spaces between repeated lines makes it seem as though the circle is actually a quickly spinning sphere or ball. Conversely, the big spaces between lines on the opposite side infer stability.

The intersection of lines can suggest a host of different things such as a crossroad or act as a symbol of religion or relief. For example, the cross and Red Cross logo are both prime examples of how two simple, intersecting lines can represent organizations that change people's lives.

Q: Consider how using line could direct attention to areas of compositional importance.

A: In this design, line is used to direct the eye to a certain point in the piece or used to hold a central element. In the bottom left design, all lines lead to one point in the drawing which forces the eye to follow it there. This ultimately takes the viewer on a journey to the desired destination of the artist.

In addition, the bottom right design shows how a line has the ability to foster a different compositional element. The central line's thickness and curvature grabs the onlooker's attention because it is clearly the dominating feature.

Q: What is the dominant orientation of the lines in your design- diagonal, vertical, or horizontal? What is the expressive effect?

A: With the overwhelming amount of diagonal lines in most these designs, the viewer's eyes are constantly being sent up and down... up one slope and immediately pushed over the following peak. Depending on the frequency of the diagonal lines, viewer's can be left with different interpretations. For example, fewer could remind someone of a peaceful mountain range, while a more frenetic design could leave someone with angst.

Q: How would the composition change if you removed one or more lines?

A: Removing one or more lines has the ability to completely interrupt a pattern or flow a piece possesses. While none of these studies are perfectly balanced or unified, the repetition of a simple line and having them build off one another definitely creates at least a common theme. If any of these were removed, any sense of unity or theme would be completely lost and the study would be forfeited as a bunch of unfortunately placed lines.