Examples of contour lines in art series#

For example, this occurs between two columns or rows of type in a book or newspaper. (20, 21) It is possible to use a long thin negative or ground shape as a line to divide space. The idea of separating the shape from the rest of the page is related to the idea of edge enclosing a visual field, as discussed in the previous unit. If you read the rectangle as a shape then its outline is also a contour line. The line through its center divides the rectangle in two. The line that forms this rectangle separates that shape from the rest of the page. Dividing Space - Line can be used to define the edge of space as well as the edge of an object.The results, however, are often more exciting and emotionally charged. Lost and found contour provides only relative clarity, as forms are not fully described.

Visual intelligence fills in the gaps to complete the figure.

Contours become lost as only parts of figures are revealed.

Lost and Found Contour (19) - Occasionally, a work has greater emphasis on color and value than on line.

2D lines can be utilized to describe 3D shapes, while remaining 2D pieces. (draw apple-W/O color, texture, size, dimension or mass we still see it as an apple). This creates a sort of artistic shorthand. Objects in the real world do not have a line around their edge, yet when you see a line drawing you have no trouble interpreting the image as representing something in the real world.

Slide 1 - Peter Keetman, Rear Wings - A contour is a line that defines or describes a shape- and an object’s shape is how we recognize it. Contour defines or describes a shape’s edge.

Slide 8 - Joan Fontcuberta, Museu de Zoologia.

Zig-Zag Lines - Rapid, possibly chaotic motion throughout an image.

Slide 7 - Wolf von dem Bussche, Untitled.

Slide 6 (s-curve) - Jacob Lawrence, Construction.

Our eyes tend to follow curved lines throughout a composition.

Curved Lines - Similar to diagonals they imply motion but in a much a quieter, more graceful way.

Slide 5 - Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii.

our eyes tend to follow diagonals towards the center of an image.

Diagonal Lines - Suggest motion and create a sense of movement throughout an image.

Stabilizers - Horizontal and vertical lines within a design are often called stabilizers, as they tend to reduce feelings of movement, they 'anchor' a composition that could otherwise appear chaotic.

Vertical Lines - Suggest strength, solidity, non-moving.

Horizontal Lines - Imply quiet, calm, stillness, relaxation.

Slide 7 - Julien Pacaud, Good Girl - What type of lines do you see in this composition? How do they make you feel? Where do they make you look?.

It is possible to have more than one type of line in the same composition.

Slide 6 - Jacob Lawrence, Construction- Observe how your eyes is guided through the composition.

Slide 5 - Shawn Records, Untitled - Observe how your eyes is guided through the composition.

This usually occurs when something looks or points in a certain direction. Our eyes naturally follow this directional flow resulting in a psychic line. No actual line exists, not even intermittent points, yet we feel a line it may be a mental or visual connection between two elements.

Psychic Line - A type of implied line.

Slide 4 - Papa Johns Ad - Observe how the dashed lines define the edges of each coupon.

Slide 3 - Tyler Hewitt, Interchange - Observe how the figure implies directionality.

A dotted or dashed line or people waiting in line are examples.

Examples of contour lines in art series#

Implied Line - A line created by positioning a series of points so that the eye connects them.The first one feels strong or steady the second feels calm or distant the third feels angry or excited the fourth feels confused or bumpy. Slide 1 - Observe how each line expresses a different feeling.Slide 2 - Sol LeWitt, Wall Drawing #289 - Line can be physical and revolve around a physical location.It may vary greatly in weight, character, texture, etc. Actual Line - A physical line is present and seen.