Drawing Lines – SS1 Visual Arts Lesson Note (First Term)

A line is a set of points that extends infinitely in two directions, having no thickness or width, only length.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define a line;
2. state the properties of lines;
3. identify and describe the different types of lines;
4. explain line segments, rays, angles and planes;
5. state the uses of lines in art and design, in geometry and in other fields;
6. draw different types of lines and use them in simple shading.

What is a line in drawing?

In drawing, a line is a mark made by a moving point, such as a pencil tip, pen or brush.

• In geometry: a line has length only and no thickness.
• On paper: every drawn line has some thickness, because the pencil or pen leaves a mark.
• In art: line is one of the elements of art, with shape, form, colour, texture, space and tone.

What are the properties of lines?

A line has four main properties.

1. Direction and orientation: a line can run across, up and down, or slanting.
2. Straight or curved: a line can follow a straight path or bend.
3. Intersecting or parallel: two lines can cross each other or stay the same distance apart.
4. Definition by points: a line can be fixed by two points, or by one point and a direction.

What are the types of lines?

There are seven basic types of lines: straight, curved, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, parallel and perpendicular.

1. Straight lines: extend infinitely in two directions, and in drawing give the shortest path between two points.
2. Curved lines: change direction continuously, as in the outline of a calabash.
3. Horizontal lines: parallel to the horizon, like the line where the sky meets the land.
4. Vertical lines: perpendicular to the horizon, like a standing pole or tree trunk.
5. Diagonal lines: neither horizontal nor vertical, like a leaning ladder.
6. Parallel lines: never intersect, like the rails of a railway track.
7. Perpendicular lines: intersect at a right angle (90 degrees), like the corner of a page.

What is the difference between parallel and perpendicular lines?

• Parallel lines: two lines that stay the same distance apart and never meet.
• Perpendicular lines: two lines that meet at a right angle (90 degrees).

What concepts are related to lines?

Four concepts linked to lines are line segments, rays, angles and planes.

1. Line segment: a part of a line with a fixed length and two end points.
2. Ray: a line that starts at one point and extends in one direction only.
3. Angle: formed when two rays or line segments meet at a common point called the vertex.
4. Plane: a flat surface that extends endlessly, such as a sheet of paper; two intersecting lines lie on one plane.

What do different lines express in art?

Different lines express different moods and ideas in a drawing.

What are the kinds of line used in drawing?

Artists use several kinds of line to describe objects and create tone.

• Outline: a line that shows the outer edge of an object.
• Contour line: a line that follows the edges and surface curves of a form to show its shape.
• Gesture line: a quick, loose line that captures movement or pose.
• Hatching: a set of close parallel lines used to show shade.
• Cross-hatching: hatching crossed by another set of lines to make the shade darker.
• Implied line: a line the eye follows, such as a row of objects or the direction of a gaze.

What is line quality?

Line quality is the look of a line, shown by its thickness, darkness and smoothness.

• Thick or thin: thick lines look bold and near, and thin lines look light and far.
• Dark or light: pressing harder gives a dark line, and pressing lightly gives a faint one.
• Smooth or broken: smooth lines look neat, and broken or dotted lines suggest hidden or uncertain edges.

What materials are used for drawing lines?

• Pencils: soft pencils (such as 2B and 4B) give dark lines, and hard pencils (such as H) give light lines.
• Pen and ink: give firm, permanent lines.
• Charcoal: gives thick, soft, smudgy lines.
• Ruler: helps to draw straight lines.
• Drawing paper: the surface on which the lines are made.

How do you shade with hatching and cross-hatching?

1. Lightly draw the outline of the object with a pencil.
2. Draw close, parallel lines in one direction over the area to be shaded.
3. Keep the lines evenly spaced and in the same direction.
4. For darker areas, draw a second set of lines across the first set.
5. Press harder or bring the lines closer to make the darkest parts.

What are the uses of lines?

Uses of lines in art and design

In art and design, lines are used to:

• define shape and form
• create texture and pattern
• convey movement and direction
• separate or connect elements
• create perspective and depth

Uses of lines in geometry and mathematics

In geometry and mathematics, lines are used to:

• define geometric shapes and figures
• calculate distances and angles
• prove theorems and propositions
• model real-world phenomena

Uses of lines in other fields

Lines are also used in other fields:

• Writing: lines of text.
• Music: lines of music.
• Science: lines of data.
• Technology: lines of code.

Evaluation

1. Define a line.
2. State the four properties of lines.
3. What is the difference between parallel lines and perpendicular lines?
4. Explain a line segment and a ray.
5. Give three uses of lines in art and design.

Assignment

Draw one example each of a horizontal line, a vertical line, a diagonal line and a curved line. Label each one and write one sentence on how lines are used in art and design.