Line and Shape in Art

• , or diagonal.

Characteristics of Lines

• Horizontal lines suggest calm and stability, often reminiscent of a horizon line in nature.
• Vertical lines give the impression of defying gravity, rising to great heights from an earthly perspective, as seen in skyscrapers.
• Diagonal lines are dynamic and restless, conveying energy, spontaneity, and whimsicality, such as in Jacob Lawrence's tempera painting of slaves.

Defining Shapes

• Shapes are distinct areas on a 2D surface created in various ways
• One way is by connecting a line to itself, enclosing an area
• Intersecting lines can also enclose an area, forming a shape
• Shapes can be created by surrounding an area with other shapes, giving it distinct boundaries
• Value, color, or texture can be used to distinguish an area from its surroundings, making it a shape

Shape Characteristics

• A shape's type is determined by its outer edge.
• Shapes can be classified into two main categories: rectilinear and curvilinear.
• Rectilinear shapes have straight edges and angular corners.
• Curvilinear shapes have curving edges.

Geometric Shapes

• Both rectilinear and curvilinear shapes can be described as geometric.
• Geometric shapes are derived from mathematical formulas.
• Geometric shapes are rendered with great precision.

Non-Objective Geometric Shapes

• Pure geometric shapes are labeled non-objective.
• Non-objective shapes are not derived from visible reality.
• Examples of non-objective shapes include circles, spheres, and cones.

Types of Lines

• There are two types of lines: outline and contour lines.
• An outline is an actual line that defines a boundary or outer edge of an object or a figure.
• A contour line is not an actual line but an edge that is perceived where a three-dimensional form curves away from the viewer.

Directionality of Lines

• Motion is implied in the definition of line as a moving point.
• Lines can be classified into three directions: vertical, horizontal, and diagonal.
• Horizontal lines suggest calm and stability, like a horizon line in nature.
• Vertical lines seem to defy gravity, rising from the earth-bound perspective to seemingly limitless heights, as seen in skyscrapers.
• Diagonal lines convey energy, spontaneity, and whimsicality, as seen in Jacob Lawrence's tempera painting of slaves.

Shapes

• Shapes are distinct areas on a two-dimensional surface created in several ways.
• Shapes can be created by connecting a line to itself, by intersecting lines, by surrounding an area with shapes, or by using value, color, or texture to distinguish areas.
• The outer edge of a shape characterizes its type, which can be rectilinear (with straight edges and angular corners) or curvilinear (with curving edges).
• Both rectilinear and curvilinear shapes can be geometric, derived from mathematical formulas and rendered with precision.
• Pure geometric shapes, such as circles, spheres, and cones, are non-objective and not derived from visible reality.
• Amorphous or shapeless shapes are the result of irregular pooling of poured paint rather than a deliberately created shape.

Types of Lines

• There are two types of lines: outline and contour lines.
• An outline is an actual line that defines a boundary or outer edge of an object or a figure.
• A contour line is not an actual line but an edge that is perceived where a three-dimensional form curves away from the viewer.

Directionality of Lines

• Motion is implied in the definition of line as a moving point.
• Lines can be classified into three directions: vertical, horizontal, and diagonal.
• Horizontal lines suggest calm and stability, like a horizon line in nature.
• Vertical lines seem to defy gravity, rising from the earth-bound perspective to seemingly limitless heights, as seen in skyscrapers.
• Diagonal lines convey energy, spontaneity, and whimsicality, as seen in Jacob Lawrence's tempera painting of slaves.

Shapes

• Shapes are distinct areas on a two-dimensional surface created in several ways.
• Shapes can be created by connecting a line to itself, by intersecting lines, by surrounding an area with shapes, or by using value, color, or texture to distinguish areas.
• The outer edge of a shape characterizes its type, which can be rectilinear (with straight edges and angular corners) or curvilinear (with curving edges).
• Both rectilinear and curvilinear shapes can be geometric, derived from mathematical formulas and rendered with precision.
• Pure geometric shapes, such as circles, spheres, and cones, are non-objective and not derived from visible reality.
• Amorphous or shapeless shapes are the result of irregular pooling of poured paint rather than a deliberately created shape.

Shapes and Cultural Icons

• Some shapes have become instantly recognizable and evoke specific associations.
• These shapes are never mistaken for anything else, having a unique identity.
• They can be considered cultural icons, similar to icons in digital interfaces, such as a folder icon signifying access to a list of files.
• Certain shapes possess symbolic meaning that transcends their literal configuration.

Learn about the different types of lines and their roles in defining shapes and forms in art. Understand the difference between outline and contour lines in art.