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Chapter Four: Line
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
• Varieties of Line
• Outline and Contour Line
• Qualities of Line
• Implied Line
• Expressive Line
• Line Orientation
Works in Progress:
Vincent van Gogh’s The Sower
Hung Liu’s Three Fujins
The Critical Process:
Thinking about Line: Greek Zeus and Robert Mapplethorpe’s Lisa Lyon
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
This Chapter Will:
• introduce the visual element of line
• identify the difference between actual and implied lines and the usage of each
• identify the various types of line, such as contour or hatched
• identify line quality in art works and how they can affect the dynamic or static
nature of a composition
KEY TERMS
line nature morte composition autographic line
line of sight outline analytic line kinetic
MyArtsLab RESOURCES
Closer Look: Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night
Primary Source Document: Paul Cézanne (1839–1906) - Artists on Art
Interactive Flash Cards
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LECTURE AND DISCUSSION IDEAS
1. Introducing the Elements of Art
Using Paul Cézanne’s The Basket of Apples (fig. 62), introduce Part II of the text, The
Formal Elements and Their Design, with an overview of the elements of art and
principles of design and their role in the process of making art. Discuss how most artists
consciously employ design strategies learned in their professional training to create
effective compositions. Also discuss how artists and art movements have radically
altered traditional methods of manipulating elements of art. For example, show how the
2. Lines in Life
When discussing each element, consider ideas that connect each element to the student’s
daily life in order to elaborate on how viewers perceptually and visually respond to each
element. For example, reflecting on the element of line, ask students where they see lines
3. Lines Are Style
Point out that the types of lines an artist makes vary as well, and are indicative of their
style. An artist’s line is unique, like a signature. As a side-note, remind students that a
signature is comprised of alphabet letters, which are linear. Initiate a discussion with
students about how their personal signature has the potential of describing their
personality. Using Pat Steir’s Drawing Lesson Part 1, Line # 1 and Line # 5 (figs. 70 &
4. Actual and Implied Lines
Focus on the work of Quick-to-See Smith (fig. 64), Gaudier-Brzeska (fig. 65), Giacometti
(fig. 66), and Samba (fig. 69) to illustrate contour, outline, and implied types of lines.
CompareCheri Samba’s use of implied motion in Calvary (fig. 69) with Alexander
Calder’s actual motion in such kinetic works as Untitled (fig. 159). Discuss the
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5. Line of Sight
Illustrate line of sight with Titian’s Assumption and Consecration of the Virgin (fig. 67 &
68) to emphasize how artists activate their compositions by directing the viewer’s
6. Qualities of Line
Distinguish between analytical and expressive line qualities by comparing the works of
Vincent van Gogh and Sol LeWitt. Discuss van Gogh’s creative process as it relates to
The Sower (figs. 74-76). Beyond learning of the struggles van Gogh endured with his
color application, of note for this work is van Gogh’s acknowledgement that the “painted
studies lack clearness of touch. That is [the] reason why I felt it necessary to draw them.”
Discuss van Gogh’s line work as a more realistic, or clearer, visualization of the tactile
7. Neoclassic and Romantic Line Comparison
Regarding cultural conventions and line, compare The Death of Socrates (figs. 84 & 85)
by Jacques-Louis David to that of The Death of Sardanapalus (figs. 86 & 87) by Eugéne
Delacroix to illustrate the artists’ different utilization of line quality. Neoclassic artists,
such as David, focused on linear qualities since they felt the controlled precision lines
exemplified intellect, reason, and logic. On the other hand, Romantic artists, such as
Delacroix, were more interested in the emotional quality of line, and used expressive
8. Contemporary Lines
Contemporary artist Matthew Ritchie uses both expressive and analytical lines in his
works. Ask students to debate how his seemingly unorganized scribbles in No Sign of the
9. Line and Convention
Chapter 5 ends with The Critical Process, an analysis of the cultural conventions that are
attributes in the back of the textbook.
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CRITICAL THINKING: More Opportunities to Think about Art
1. Works in Progress: Hung Liu’s Three Fujins
In another Works in Progress feature found in this chapter, Hung Liu’s Relic 12 (fig. 81),
Virgin/Vessel (fig.82), and Three Fujins (fig. 83) all address concerns related to both
gender and social status. Liu presents a seemingly contradictory union of classical and
expressive line within one composition to evoke a sense of journalistic presentation and
subjective interpretation at the same time. Discuss this contradictory line usage, along
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
1. The Ingredients of an Artwork
Just as a good cook assembles the perfect ingredients for a delicious recipe, an artist
assembles the right elements for a successful artwork. Have students contemplate any
artwork from the textbook and make a recipe of the composition. For example,
2. Analyzing Cultural Conventions
Have students experiment with friends or acquaintances to determine whether the cultural
conventions associated with line still hold true. Have them draw a straight line and a
HANDS-ON PROJECTS
For additional project ideas, remember to investigate the Hands-On Projects found on
MyArtsLab.
1. Express Line
This project is best done as a timed group activity. Each participant needs a drawing
medium and a piece of paper; markers are best. The leader needs a list of words that
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2. Life Lines
Have students keep a journal of the lines they see in one day by tracking the lines they
see at any given point, at any given time on a grid. Have them create a grid of 2” squares
on a piece of paper and challenge them to draw a line per hour for at least a twelve-hour
Other Suggested Websites:
Pat Steirs’s biography and other examples of prints and paintings are on view at
www.crownpoint.com/artists/steir/about.html
Hung Lui’s artworks and biography are provided by the Rena Branstan Gallery at
www.renabranstengallery.com/liu.html
Suggested Videos and DVDs:
A World of Art: Works in Progress, Hung Liu (30 minutes)
Tony Couch, Elements and Principles of Design, 1989 (46 minutes)
Drawing the Line: A Portrait of Keith Haring, 1990 (30 minutes)
Also see recommended Films for the Humanities and Sciences at www.films.com
