Line Definition
Lines are the foundation of drawing:
Line is perhaps the most familiar element of design
Lines have length and width (more length)
A line can abstractly be thought of as a zero width object
Line Weight
The rough width of a line is described through Line Weight (heavy vs light)
Line Path
Line Path defines the quality of the route the line takes (zig-zag, wavy, fluid, or jagged)
Relation Between Edges
The Relation between Edges defines the quality of the sides of the line (smooth, irregular, sharp or fuzzy)
Placement in Space
Placement in space can effect how the lines are perceived. (horizontal, vertical, diagonal)
Actual Lines vs Implied Lines
Lines can be actual or implied
Actual lines are visible
Implied lines are not visible, but feel present through high contrast
barriers or the organization of visual elements
Contour Lines (Outlines)
A line that bounds a shape, or describes an outermost edge is called a Contour Line or an Outlines
Hatching and Cross-Hatching
For generating shading and texture you can use Hatching and Cross-Hatching
11 Types of Lines
Contour
Scribble
Sketched-Loose
Construction
Measurement
Wide/Narrow/Weight
Hard
Soft
Light
Hatched
Shading
Line Basics
They communicate action, mood, drama, detail, texture, tone, value, style, emphasis etc.
Lines are used to create shapes and negative spaces
Lines are used to show contours
Lines imply movement or direction
Lines organize elements of a design
Position and Perception
Because the standard frame of reference is a rectangle and all visuals are assumed to be under the effects of gravity, lines parallel to edges are perceived as more stable
Horizontal lines are viewed as more stable and at rest due to gravity
Vertical lines are stable but more assertive
Diagonal lines are more dynamic and give an impression of being mid-motion
