Chapter 7: Line

Web.  2012.  http://all-free-download.com/free-vector/vector-clip-art/
jelly_line_art_54613.html

A Line is defined as the visual element of length.  It can be created by setting a point in motion.  There are different types of lines, but they can all be used to convey mood or feeling, define shape and form, or even be an instrument in the designers use of the power of suggestion.

Implied Lines are lines created by positioning a series of points so that the eye will connect them.  This helps create movement across the picture plane.  1

1                             GilGalad "Stock Photo ID 58948"  14 April 2006.  Web.                                    <http://www.photocase.com/photo/58498-stock-photo-white-black-street-lamp-dark-snowfall>
                                                         

Another type of line is a Psychic Line.  This line creates a mental connection between two points or elements.This can occur by a figure actually pointing you to look in a certain direction or the figure can be looking somewhere that draws you to look in the same direction.  2  The designer can use this to line to create intended focus.

Banksy.  <http://www.banksy.co.uk/shop/shop.html>

Two other types are Contour and Gesture Lines.  Contour follows the edge of the form,  (3) where gesture is more focused on producing the actions of the pose.  (4)

3        Miller, Frank.  "Batman"  6 May 2012.
                              Web.  <http://batmanimagesgallery.com
                                    /index.cfm?faces=home.image&picid=163>

4    Miller, Frank.  "Cover; Batman Black& White, Vol. 3".  14 May 2007.                Web.  <http://dwaynemcduffie.com/
          wordpress/inde-m=200705.html>

Finally we have Lost and Found Contours.  This describes an image that uses both distinct contour lines and areas where the line disappears, leaving your imagination to fill in the rest of the picture.  This is easily done because this is the way our brain naturally perceives things.  (5)

5              Manet, Edouard.  Photo. "Olympia" Oil on canvas, 130.5 x 190 cm (51 3/8 x 74 3/4 in) Musee           d'Orsay, Paris.  1863.  Web.  <http://www.web-books.com/Classics/ON/B0/B872/16MB872.html

In my future career of interior design the line is the start of everything.  Dragging the line out of a simple dot can command great control over the intended focus.  As a professional I am expected to create the very thing I intend to.  My clients will expect a mastery of all elements of design, so we start with the line.  Every designer needs some tricks up their sleeves, don't underestimate the potency of a sharp clean line.