LINE - The path of a moving point that is made by a tool or stylus (pen, pencil, etc.) as it moves across an area, usually visible because of its contrast with its surroundings (i.e.lighter or darker than ground.

Physical Characteristics of Line:

Measure - The length and width of a line
Type - kind: straight, curved, angular, long, short, thick, thin
Direction - movement of a line: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curve
Location - placement of a line in a design; can determine division, balance, unification, unbalance
Character - related to medium that created it. Rough, smooth, soft, hard
Expression - brittle, energetic, somber, chaotic, tired

Types of Line:

Calligraphic
Contour
Cross-contour
Expressionistic
Hatching
Implied line

Calligraphic lines have a swooping, swirling quality - Smooth changes from thick to thin - Used frequently in text

Contour Lines - Lines that define the outermost limits of an object portrayed. Sometimes called an “outline”

Cross-Contour Lines - Lines that cross and define the surface undulations on the shape of an object

Expressionistic Lines - Lines that convey a sense of emotion

Hatching - repeated strokes of an art tool producing clustered lines that create values (light and dark areas.)

Cross hatching - When similar lines pass over hatched lines, usually in a different direction

Implied Line - Lines that fade, dim, stop and/or disappear. The missing portion of the line is implied to continue and is visually completed by the observer.