Art Appreciation

A Study of LINE

Atul Anand Jha B.Arch. II (B)

The Meaning of Different Kinds of Lines

there are a lot of different ways we can describe a given line and each gives a line unique characteristics. What do these characteristics mean and what do they communicate? Thin lines are fragile. They appear easy to break or knock over. They suggest frailty and convey an elegant quality. They are delicate and give off an ephemeral air. Thick lines on the other hand appear difficult to break. They suggest strength and give emphasis to nearby elements. Thick lines are bold and make a statement. Horizontal look like theyre lying down, at rest, asleep. They suggest calm and quiet, a relaxed comfort.

Horizontal lines cant fall over. They accentuate width. Theyre stable and secure. The convey an absence of conflict, a restful peace. Horizontal lines by their connection to the horizon are associated with earth bound things and idea. Vertical lines are perpendicular to the horizon. They are filled with potential energy that could be released if they were to fall over. Vertical lines are strong and rigid. They can suggest stability, especially when thicker. Vertical lines accentuate height and convey a lack of movement, which is usually seen as horizontal.

They stretch from the earth to the heavens and are often connected with religious feelings. Their tallness and formality may give the impression of dignity. Diagonal lines are unbalanced. They are filled with restless and uncontrolled energy. They can appear to be either rising or falling and convey action and motion. Their kinetic energy and apparent movement create tension and excitement. Diagonal lines are more dramatic than either horizontal or vertical lines.

Diagonal lines can also appear solid and unmoving if they are holding something up or at rest against a vertical line or plane. Curved lines are softer than straight lines. They sweep and turn gracefully between end points. They are less definite and predictable than straight lines. They bend, they change direction. Curved lines express fluid movement. They can be calm or dynamic depending on how much they curve. The less active the curve the calmer the feeling.

Zigzag lines are a combination of diagonal lines that connect at points. They take on the dynamic and high energy characteristics of diagonal lines. They create excitement and intense movement. They convey confusion and nervousness as they change direction quickly and frequently. They can imply danger and destruction as they break down. Long, perfectly even lines feel artificial . Nature is not perfectly straight. As variation is added to a line it becomes less artificial and more natural.

Dashed and dotted lines are implied lines. Theyre incomplete and allow objects to pass through them. A thick, vertical dotted or dashed line is still a strong line, though not as strong were the line completely solid.

Line Patterns
A series of lines form a pattern. These line patterns convey meaning in addition to the meaning of the individual lines.

Parallel lines of uniform width and spacing create a static and orderly effect. It doesnt matter if the lines are horizontal or vertical or diagonal. Even in curved lines the repetition creates order, however one more dynamic than straight lines. Not too how the series of curved lines while mostly static, still creates a sense of movement. By varying the spacing between lines of equal thickness we can convey motion. When the spacing between lines of the same thickness is random we get a dynamic effect with little order. When we vary both spacing and thickness the effect becomes more chaotic and disorderly. Patterns of lines can be built up to create shading and texture. Value can be controlled through use of line. Lines can be combined to form shapes. Lines can be made up of type or any shape placed one after the other.

One will see that the photograph is pretty still but still one can feel the water moving and that is because of the sense of movement convent through a series of wave lines, the ripples which are easily visible giving it the sense of movement.

Here we see the divide lines between nature and nature. How the green algae has been segmented into its area through implied lines and the vater is everywhere else where green algae isnt. This shows shapes been formed from line.

Again we see lines forming shapes and also giving texture to the image. As the trees give a texture to the mountain in this picture.

This time we see lines forming shapes and volumes in the junction of nature and manmade and also how the sky blends with the earth with the horizon line been very natural as in uneven.

Emotions been conveyed through facial expressions which actually can be broken down to some very simple line drawing.

Again, the conveying of movement through ripple lines. This time we see the curved line of the mandir giving it the sense of power and calm at the same time the feeling of movement of water just adding to it. The divide line between nature and man-made, looking very spikey in this photo.

The horizon is so very well defined on the junction with man-made actually re-emphasizing the unnatural being of the structure. Also lines in the leaves, and the whole structure being made of rigid line to give it the form. The human outline looks so much more natural compared to the structure and very rightly so.

The sense of movement being conveyed through the zig-zag body of the monkey and at the same time the curved branches giving the sense of stillness for the tree.
Again the natural line around the sun making it bend so naturally with the surrounding

The vertical lines giving the object the sense of power and stability while also the curved line of divide between man and nature.

The smoothly curved edges of flower making it the bearer of peace really

This time instead of being straight away zig-zag, a combination of vertical and horizontal lines in the human gesture give it a sense of calm. Again the ripple lines along with the reflection the mountain giving a sense of fluidity to the mountain somehow.