Everything you ever wanted to know about LINE & Rhythm

1. Everything you ever wanted to know about LINE & Rhythm Line is a connection between two points, either real or imagined. Its probably the most basic element, and the one you may already know the most about.

2. The edge (or line) around a shape is called a CONTOUR. On your paper, draw arrows pointing to the contours in Roy Lichtenstein’s “Whaaam!”

3. Artists can take it a step further by drawing contour lines that travel across the surface of an object, as if it were wrapped up in string. These are called CROSS-CONTOUR lines, and they can be seen in J.M. Seeley’s image. On your paper, draw cross-contours in the blank objects…remember to show the roundness or flatness of the object!

4. When artists criss-cross lines on top of each other to create value, they are using CROSS-HATCHING. Giovanni Piranesi was a master at this. On your paper, using cross hatching to show 4 values that get lighter and lighter. Remember, its layering lines on top of each other, not scribbling or smudging!

5. Our brain instinctively wants to fill in gaps and holes. When we see lines that are incomplete or have gaps, these are called IMPLIED lines. These are holes, but our brain tries to connect them. Implied lines can be found Larry River’s painting on the right. On your paper, draw 3 examples of shapes that use implied lines.

6. Lines have personality, depending upon how we draw them. On your paper, draw 3 different “personalities” (such as angry, happy, etc.) with line by changing their direction, movement, and shape

7. When there is an implied movement or flow in a picture, its called RHYTHM. Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” is a great example of how lines and shapes create an almost nauseating flow- like being seasick. On your paper, take the ball and the line and tweak them out, repeat them, or anything else you can do to create a rhythmic image.