CYNTHIA ANGEL: LINES

Key Terms:

Line is an element in art, which can head in many directions, can be different sizes, different textures, and different shapes.


Outline indicates the shape of the object

Contour line gives the shape in a three dimensional form

Grid is a pattern of vertical and horizontal lines crossing each other to make squares.

Implied lines give the direction the figures in a composition are looking


Compare and Contrast on Outline and Contour lines:

In art there are many different techniques that can be used to create a beautiful

art piece. Line is fundamental element of art. A line can be drawn in different

directions, different sizes, and different textures. Lines reflect movement and

patterns in many different ways. Therefore lines are a very important part in the

figures of a composition.

Outline is an important feature in a composition in order to help indicate whether

the shape is two-dimensional. An outline gives the shape of an object. As in the

picture of the first apple shown below, gives the outline of the apple and it really

doesn’t have volume.

On the other hand, contour lines help indicate if the shape is three-dimensional.

Contour lines give a shape its three-dimensional volume. As you can see in the

picture below of the second apple the contour lines give the apple its three-

dimensional shape. And as you add more contour lines you get a greater volume. In

this picture each contour line gives volume to the apple.