Line is a formal element of art that appears in most two-dimensional artworks. Line can be used in many different ways within art. Understanding how to use lines to can aid an artist in constructing a visually-effective composition.
Curvilinear or Rectilinear Lines
Lines within a work of art can either be curvilinear or rectilinear.
Curvilinear lines are often referred to as organic lines and they are curvy and free-flowing. Curvilinear can create a soft natural feel within a work of art. Curvilinear lines are commonly seen in artwork depicting the female form. A dominant use of curvilinear lines is also often evident in art neauveau works that project a sense of warmth and a connection to the natural world.
Rectilinear lines are those that are geometric in style. Rectilinear lines are straight and clear with pointed angles. Rectilinear lines can create a harsh and energetic feeling to an artwork. Cubist work such as Picasso's Guernica employs a dominant use of rectilinear lines to express an organized sense of chaos.
Implied or Actual Lines
Lines can also be either implied or actual.
An actual line is one that can clearly be seen within an artwork. Actual lines are drawn or painted with the intention that they will be seen by the viewer.
Implied lines are those that are created when the viewer's eye connects other elements within a work of art to make a line. For instance, a series of dots extending along the surface of an work of art could be mentally connected to make an implied line. Implied lines are used to direct the eye to the focal point within an artwork. Many times, implied lines are created using the subjects within the artwork. For instance the figure of a girl in a work of art could be holding a violin that forms and implied line pointing to her face.
Line Quality and Character
Lines can also be used to express emotion within an artwork based on the line quality and character.
Lines can express different moods based on their thickness or thinness, fluidity or rigidness and lightness or darkness. Artists often take line styles into account when trying to depict different emotions or ideas. Thick, dark and rigid lines can be foreboding and express a heavy feeling. Fluid, thin lines would convey a delicate and intimate feeling.
Line Used as Value
Lines can also be used to express value, which is the lightness or darkness of an area. Both hatching and crosshatching use lines to express different values. These values are created when the viewer's eyes blend the lines together to make a solid value.
Hatching lines are a series of parallel lines that express the idea of shadow in an area. When the lines are drawn closely together, they take on a dark value. When the lines are drawn further apart, they give the appearance of a lighter value.
Cross-hatching is achieved by drawing two sets of parallel lines that intersect. Cross-hatching uses the same visual properties that hatching does to express the idea of darkness or lightness. When the lines are drawn closer together, the value is darker. When they are further apart, the value appears lighter.
Contour Lines or Outlines
Contour lines are often referred to as outlines. They form the border around figures and shadows within an artwork.
Contour lines are most often used in drawings to define shapes within the composition. These types of drawings are referred to as contour-line drawings. Contour-line drawings are also often used as a basis for paintings because they define shadows and shapes where paint can later be applied.
Using a Variety of Lines in Artwork
Artists must understand and employ a variety of line styles within their work to produce a successful artistic composition. Remember that lines can be used to direct the eye to a focal point, to convey emotions, to express value and to define areas in a composition.
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