Art Fundamentals: Line
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1. Definition of Line
2. Line Types & Qualities
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1. Definition of Line
A line is a mark made by a tool that represents the outline edge of an object, shape, surface, shadow or color.
Lines are the main cornerstone in drawing. When you master line making, you can draw all the other elements more easily. A line represents the edge of an object. For example, if you wanted to draw the Kendama toy, how would you decide what part of the toy to represent with a line on your paper? First, you might look at the edge of the ball at the top and notice that the continuous edge around the sphere makes a circle. This observation is somewhat easy to record. But if you want to draw a line that represents the the sides and handle of the Kendama, you will have to study the edges more carefully to notice the length, width, direction, curves, angles, and proportions.
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Download this poster to practice memorizing the definition of LINE.
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2. Line Types & Qualities
LINE TYPES can be named: diagonal, straight, curved, curly, angled, zigzag, horizontal, vertical, dashed and dotted.
LINE QUALITIES can be named: long, short, thick, thin, light and dark. Practice Drawing Line Types & Qualities Download the practice sheet below. ![]()
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ART PROJECT: Line Types & Qualities > Joan Miro
Joan Miro was a famous surrealist artist from Barcelona, Spain who became popular during the early 20th Century. He intentionally made his artwork to appear as if a child had painted them and challenged the established conventions of fine art. This painting is called The Lightning Bird Blinded by Moonfire and was completed in 1955 (oil on cardboard). Does the title give you clues about the objects in the painting? Download the drawing lesson below to practice drawing different line types and qualities just like Miro. ![]()
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3. Contour Lines
Practice Drawing Contour Lines
Train your eye to see the outline edges of objects. Download these practice sheets below. ![]()
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ART PROJECT: Contour Line Leaves (coming soon...)