THE ELEMENT OF DESIGN: LINE--PART 01

What is a "line"?

Depending on a particular point of view there are many definitions for what we mean when we say the word "line"; for example consider "an assembly line", or "the waiting line".

As an element of design, in its simplest terms, a line can be visible or implied; it can be an actual mark connecting two or more points, or an invisible connection between two or more points (or two or more objects).

VISIBLE LINES VS. IMPLIED LINES

Visible Lines

In reference to art, I believe that the visible line may be outline and/or contour line.

Students often confuse an outline with a contour line.  This is very understandable, because there are varying definitions for both.  It becomes even more confusing because sometimes an outline can be a contour line, though a contour line is never an outline in a two-dimensional artwork.

Do not worry, I will explain.

When I think of an outline, I think of a continuous mark of uniform or varying thickness that records the outermost edges (and sometimes tonal differentiation) of a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional object on a flat surface (such as paper, canvas, etc.).

For the purpose of this demonstration our object (a.k.a. subject) is a simple rubber ball.

This is the simplest outline of that ball.

Here we have another outline drawing of the ball, showing the basic differentiation of tone:  

the shadow and the light.

I have recently read an art book where the artist/author states that "contour lines define edges... inner or outer...".

I disagree with that statement, and I firmly believe that it is because of such careless statements that students have trouble differentiating between outlines and contour lines.

When working on a two-dimensional surface, a contour line is a mark that follows the form of a three-dimensional object, creating the illusion of space and depth.

Look at any object near you.

 Do you see the object's edges?  Draw them.

Those edges are outlines.

Now, imagine dipping your index finger in paint.  Touch the object with that index finger, and without lifting your finger, move it over the surface of the object.  You are "painting" a contour line.

Note: The broken lines show the painted lines you do not see from this angle.

Did you notice something about the contour line?

A contour line never ends.  As long as you keep the finger on the surface, you can keep drawing your contour line forever.

"But... Mili if I keep my finger on the edge and follow it, I can keep "painting" the edge forever.  So, isn't the edge also a contour line?"

If you were working on a three-dimensional sculpture of your object, I would say "yes".  However, on a two-dimensional surface, the edge becomes an outline.

Just as there is no such thing as an outline on a three-dimensional sculpture, there is no such thing as a contour line at the edge of a three-dimensional object drawn on a two-dimensional surface.

Let us get back to our ball.

As you can clearly see even though all the lines of this drawing are outlines (outlining the edge of the object and the tonal edge on the surface of the object), the tonal edge is also a contour line, because it follow the form of the object.  

Therefore proving that sometimes an outline can be a contour line, though a contour line is never an outline in a two-dimensional artwork.

Drawing complete contour lines of your object creates a very ghastly image.  

These are just a few contour lines following the form of this ball.

You can create an infinite number of lines.

Therefore break those lines, and draw just enough of them to help give the illusion of three-dimensionality of your subject.  The best way to do this is to add a few lines to indicate the difference in tone.

Note:

When adding tone to your drawing using line, you have two options: you can either cross hatch, or you can contour hatch.

Cross Hatching

VS.

Contour Hatching

Cross hatching may take less mental effort, but contour hatching gives a more three dimensional look to your artwork.

So, to cross hatch or to contour hatch?

There is no right or wrong way to hatch.  I find that if I contour hatch my entire drawing, the drawing looks three dimensional, but also somehow mechanical; while an only hatched drawing looks rather flat.

Nothing in nature is perfect, and I believe it is the imperfections in your work that differentiate a potential masterpiece from "a nice drawing".