Let's talk about the Element of LINE
Line is the MOST BASIC ELEMENT OF ART.
Line is everywhere and in everything.
Lines are often Expressive.
There are ACTUAL and IMPLIED lines.
Line is everywhere and in everything.
Lines are often Expressive.
There are ACTUAL and IMPLIED lines.
Actual Line |
Implied Line |
Actual lines are lines that are physically present, existing as solid connections between one or more points. What this means is that Actual lines are lines you DRAW. You literally take a pencil/marker/crayon etc. and draw a line from one point to the other.
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Implied line refers to the path that the viewer 's eye takes as it follows shapes, colors, and forms along any given path. What this means is you do NOT DRAW the lines. Instead they appear through your use of color or value or another element of line.
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Let's talk about types of Actual Lines
There are quite of few different types of Actual Lines. You know them! Let's take a look at them all. I'm sure I will miss a few, let me know!
Now don't forget, ALL these lines above can also have WEIGHT. Line weight refers to its THICKNESS or THINNESS.
Let's talk about Implied Lines
Implied lines are a bit more difficult to create/understand. So an artist will create one of these lines by implying it's there instead of actually drawing the line. These lines usually lead to the focal point of the artwork or create some sort of emphasis the artist wants you to look at by keeping the viewer's eye moving across the picture. That's right, you guessed it, implied lines create a sense of movement. The use of these implied lines keep the viewer engaged in the artwork. These lines can be achieved through the use of other elements of art. Let me show you.
Notice how in the picture above your eyes go first to the lightest part of the painting, the boy's shoulder. Then your eyes travel to his face, which is looking down, so your eyes move down then back to the older man who is scrubbing the floor. Our eyes travel in this loop from man to boy and back. After that, then we look at the rest of the painting to try and get more information. These implied lines grabbed your attention and held it.
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For this painting, actual lines are really secondary. They are just there and not key to understanding what the artist is trying to portray.
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