A point in moving in space, no dimensions (height and width) -Capable of infinite variety -Can convey mood and feeling -Directly connected to shape
Though created from pieces of rock, we perceive them as a jagged line.
Contour Line: Describes the outside and inside edges of an object. This lines don’t actually exist, but delineate changes in color, mark edges and describe interior areas of texture or changes in form.
On left, contour line drawing exhibits precise attention to edges and details…accuracy of observation.On right, does not use precise contour lines, but gesture lines that suggest the mass and form of his head. We can see the movement of the hand.
Gesture lines are used when describing shape is less important than showing action or pose. Line is free…drawn quickly and spontaneously.In this drawing, some contours are suggested, but the stance and proportion of the pose are predominant.Both types of drawing styles can be used simultaneously.
Line quality (thickness, darkness) can define three dimensional form, create emphasis and transform flat to volumetric. -Darker, thicker lines create focal point -They also blend into the shaded areas of the head to create volume summary -Lighter lines in the clothing give the impression that he is immerging from the paper
Lost and Found Contour: sharp contour disappears into the darkness (or a lighter line). -Gives the viewer clues but doesn’t reveal all…suggests depth, continuation, encourages the viewer into and around the artwork.
Actual and Implied Lines
Where are actual/implied lines?Diagonal lines imply movement and action.Horizontal lines imply rest and lack of motion, calm, peacefulness.Vertical lines imply importance, presence, majesty, growth.
Line Networks: by placing lines close together or overlapping, the artist can create value (or shading), suggest volume. By doing this, the artist can give the viewer more information than a contour line could represent. -Here Van Gogh utilizes hatching and cross-hatching, as well as cross-contours
Shape: A visually perceived area created either by an enclosing line, or by color or value changes. Also called a form.Volume: 3-Dimensional Shape
Art rarely exists without shape. Monet’s painting emphasizes light and atmosphere, and shape is less dominant.Lichtenstein’s print further exaggerates this by simplifying the form into tiny circles. The shape of the dots compete with the form of the cathedral.
On a 2-Dimensional surface, the use of value/gradation aid the viewer in the creation of volume…gives the illusion of 3-dimensional space.
Abstract shapes are BASED on true forms (realistic/natural/biomorphic/man-made), but are manipulated. They still express some of the form/shape of the original source. -Implies a simplification of natural shapes to the essential, basic character
Abstraction…simplified to geometric shapes
Biomorphic/Organic Shapes: shapes that allude to natural, organic forms that are abstracted…suggest organic shapes, but are, perhaps, un-nameable.
Pure Forms: merely (geometric) forms that do not represent anything; a better term being NON-REPRESENTATIONAL shapes with no object reference and no subject matter suggestion
Negative Space/Positive Shape -Figure/Ground -Both elements are thought through and planned -Subject is focal point, but negative areas are equally important
Figure-Ground Reversal
Figure-Ground Reversal
Positive/Negative integration…HIGH & LOW DEFINITION -One on light background
Light, dark and middle values are both FIGURE and GROUND…areas of sharp distinction in white paper, but mostly soft transitions…similar to the LOST-AND-FOUND line.Could also be seen as a abstract composition of light and dark shapes.
