Unit

2 LINES and TEXTURES

Departamento de Dibujo IES Huarte de San Juan

2.1 THE LINE

A.- Lines make shapes The most important function of the lines is to represent and make shapes. In other words, lines are used to draw and give visual shape to the figures or objects that appear in images. These shapes can be written (letters, words or text) or drawn (objects, shapes or figures) or painted (colours). . Lines for writing: We write by moving a pencil, pen, marker, etc… over a paper and transforming the marks into letters. We show our personality in the way we write, just as the artists do when they draw figures and objects. . Lines for drawing: To make a shape, we draw and construct its visual appearance. We use lines to draw the exterior of a shape (its contour). Then we draw its interior features (its inner surface) . Lines for painting: We paint or colour when we cover an area or surface with the same colour. By using lines, we can differentiate parts of a shape; make one area lighter or darker or give it different colours. To cover an area with lines, we can use parallel, superimposed and crossed lines in a orderly fashion, or use disorderly lines in any direction. Superimposed: put something on top of another thing. Concentric: moving from the outside to the inside

Unit

2 LINES and TEXTURES

Departamento de Dibujo IES Huarte de San Juan

B.- Lines as expressive elements The line is the representation of a feeling in motion. When we observe the lines in a work of art, we follow their movement and direction with our eyes. We transform what we see into sensations and rhythms that we interpret one way or another, depending on our mood. The first thing we notice about a line is its direction and path. The direction of every line has a different value expressive: Straight lines: They are continuous, flat lines that do not change. They convey constancy and rigidity. Broken lines; these change direction, gently or abruptly. These lines are more dynamic, but are still rigid. They produce a sensation of instability or aggression. Curved lines: They constantly change direction and are full of tension. They transmit movement, energy and vitality. Curves can be circular, concentric, wavy, broken, spiral, complicated, etc. all of these imply movement and energy in different directions and at different speeds. Irregular lines: They continuously change direction along their path and can express tension. Irregular straight lines: They are continuous but change slightly to seem to be less rigid. Irregular curved lines: They increase tension, movement and rhythm and can produce the effect of disorder and even chaos.

Unit

2 LINES and TEXTURES

Departamento de Dibujo IES Huarte de San Juan

C.- Lines in realistic drawings Images are composed of visual icons or shapes. When shapes, objects, spaces, etc. in an image are recognisable, we call them figurative images. In a realistic drawing, the shapes are very similar to what we see, in other words, they have a high degrees of likeness. Artists often draw shapes that only exist in their minds, although we can still identify them with images from reality. These drawings are figurative in form, but are surrealistic or symbolic in content. The line is the ideal element to represent shapes. In realistic drawings, the line is used to portray the appearance of shapes, exactly as we see them. These shapes have volume, occupy space and are defined by their form, texture and colour. Using the line, an artist translates all the information onto a flat medium, creating the illusion of space, depth and volume. portray = to show

D Lines in abstract drawings In abstract drawings, the line is used to portray non-figurative forms. Abstract images are composed of geometric forms (circles, planes, etc.) or graphic elements (smudges, textures, colours and lines). Sometimes the shapes used in abstract drawings come from the perception of nature or the observation of an object, although these shapes may appear in such a way that it is difficult to

Unit

2 LINES and TEXTURES

Departamento de Dibujo IES Huarte de San Juan

identify the original object. For example, the artist increases the size of the object, or depicts only one specific detail of it. Sometimes, nearly abstract shapes that do not represent real-life images can still suggest them. The artist’s intention is not to represent a shape but to transmit what the shape expresses visually. Abstract drawings transmit their messages by the expressive force of their elements. The line is a fundamental element of abstract drawing. It is used to convey emotions and sensations, expressed by the direction or path the line takes. The line can also be considered a formal element: we can separate/it from its possible significance and consider it as a form without meaning. For example, a very wide, large line is like a flat object, like a shape or smudge that has length and width.

E.- Lines in a composition Lines are used in a composition to organize and distribute the space in different areas. These lines include: lines that are hidden in contours, lines hidden in the axes, imaginary lines which join up elements in a composition or lines merely suggested by the path the eye follows between the most important elements in the composition. axes = plural of axis: a line about which symmetrical figure is arranged simply

Hidden lines. Hidden lines are used to structure the image, to provide different graphic, expressive and rhythmic qualities. Tension lines. These are lines of force that join the most important parts of the shapes in an image. These lines are imaginary arrows, which direct us to the most important zones first. Lines of order. These are lines created by the contours of the shapes and by varying planes. We perceive these lines thanks to the changes in colour and the contrast of light and dark in an image.

Unit

2 LINES and TEXTURES

Departamento de Dibujo IES Huarte de San Juan

• Types of composition

When several lines are drawn on a surface, they form a composition; they can be arranged in various ways (parallel, radial, crossed, etc.).They can be placed at equal distance, they can have the same tone and width, or can vary. In a composition, depending on where lines and empty spaces are situated, artists can strengthen or weaken sensations produced by their directions. Horizontal lines. These lines run from side to side and are continuous, still and indicate peace. Compositions containing these lines give the sensation of relaxation, stability and tranquillity. Horizontal placement reminds us of the sea, plains, the horizon, etc. Vertical lines. These lines run from top to bottom. We associate them with a standing person, someone balanced. Lines in vertical compositions give the sensation of elevation and spirituality. These are the same feelings we perceive when we look at a forest with tall, straight tree trunks rising towards the sky. Diagonal lines. Their path is in horizontal and vertical tension. They express a sensation of instability. Spiral and concurrent lines. Their path is concentric, spiralling from the outside to the inside, or radial, spiralling out from the inside. They express sensations of time, concentration and internalisation.