Images, Objects, and Ideas; Viewing the Visual Arts

Chapter 2: Line

By: Ali Follman, Sonya Kulyk, Nicholas Ferezin and Ciro Yugarte

DefinitionA line is a mark or extended

point in space that is noticeably longer than it is wide

Simplest form of communication

Cave paintings

Importance of a lineLines form:

The alphabet

Numbers

Musical notes

Infinite configurations in the visual arts

Line Associations

Motion >

< Calmness and grace

Rest >< Agitation (angular lines)

Fire p.237 Photo Idea Index

Vertical Line Stability, dignity, stateliness, order

Solid, noble attributes

Implied lines are represented by the axis

Michelangelo’s David The vertical line of a

human is more of an idea rather than a reality.

Perfect posture of a human is different from a straight line of a skyscraper .

Horizontal Line

Suggests rest and tranquility

p.84 of Photo Idea Index

“Prairie Houses”American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, designed “prairie

houses” in which horizontal lines prevailed.

“Prairie houses” implied calmness and comfort while harmonizing with their essentially flat environment.

Lloyd rejected tall buildings.

His houses had no attics and chimneys were minimally projected; vertical doorways and diagonal outside steps were hidden from the view.

Even details like flower urns and bricks contributed to the theme of horizontal expansion.

Robie House, Oak Park, Illinois. 1908-1909

Diagonal LineACTION!!!

Challenge notions of stability associated with vertical/horizontal lines.

Moving between extremes: are neither prone nor upright.

Photo Idea Index p.245

In Rain Shower on Ohashi Bridge by Ando Hiroshige everything is relied on a diagonal which implies movement:

Boat

Rain

Bridge

Trees

People

Series of diagonal lines – multiple action – divinity.

The diagonal positions of Shiva`s limbs and torso – implies its divinity as it is pointing in many directions at once.

In The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari architecture and diagonal lines play primary roles.

A few vertical lines are evident.

Disturbing use of diagonal.

Exaggerated angles created by expressionist artists contribute to the plot built on unbalanced individuals, madness and murder.

Curved line Moves slowly.

Contributes to a graceful, easy-going and tender subject matter.

Implies calmness and control.

Vincent Van Gogh, Starry Night

Calmness and control dominate.

One form leads smoothly to another.

The child is secure.

Unordinary meanings

Some artists purposely contradict natural tendencies of general visual principles.

Here, a series of circles sets the stage for fear.

Anxiety is endless.

Roger Brown. Surrounded by nature.

Combinations of straight and curve

Several visual principles are often used to emphasize an idea.

Combined curved + horizontal can reinforce grace and tranquility.

Massive does not look heavy.

Imperial Ancestral Temple, Beijing, China.

Straight + curve = meaning

Aggressive contrast .

Juxtaposition sends a thematic message. Can inject an image with attention getting notes of intrigue, humor, irony or sarcasm (photo idea index, p.248).

Reveals a meaning: a girl decides whether or not to leap over the edge.

Suzuki Harunobu. Girl on Kiyomizu Terrace.

Types of LineOutline

Contour

Implied

Gestural

Organizational

The Purpose Establish size, shape, location

Movement

Create a structure whole

Lines are PossibilitiesThey are questions, not answers

Is she smiling?

What is she trying to tell the viewer?

Why do her eyes follow you?

Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci

CompositionHow the visual details are balanced to form a whole

Painting balances many opposites Restlessness and stability Curved and straight Clothed and naked

Organizational LinesHelp tie things together

Works Cited Krause, Jim. Photo Idea Index. Cincinnati, OH: HOW, 2005.

Print.

Nemett, Barry. "Chapter 2; Lines." Images, Objects, and Ideas: Viewing the Visual Arts. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College, 1992. N. pag. Print.

Williams, Robin, and Robin Williams. The Non-designer's Design & Type Books: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit, 2008. Print.