Line in Art and Composition
What is line? Not in general, but pertaining to art specifically. Line can be a single mark of the pen or pencil, but that does not do it justice. Line is really the foundation of all art pieces, no matter the medium. It apples not just to illustration, but also painting, pottery, and even film. If something is considered art, and has composition, I would argue that line applies to that piece.
So what is line exactly, besides the obvious? Well line is what makes or breaks a piece of art. When talking about illustration, line is often what makes up the entire piece. What's more important though, is the part line plays in the composition of a piece. Lines and implied lines are what guide the eye throughout the composition, whether on an easel or on film. Good compositions draw your eyes in and cause them to go where the artist desires. This could be bringing the focus onto a specific object or person. Or, it could be to cause your eye to not focus on anything at all and instead move throughout the entire composition without really resting one any single thing. One piece I particularly enjoy how the lines draw focus is The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Almost every line, including the perspective lines pointing towards the vanishing point, are directing the eye to the focus of the painting - Christ. Look at the following examples to get an idea of how line can work in different compositions, and try o be more aware of these lines even in everyday life.
So what is line exactly, besides the obvious? Well line is what makes or breaks a piece of art. When talking about illustration, line is often what makes up the entire piece. What's more important though, is the part line plays in the composition of a piece. Lines and implied lines are what guide the eye throughout the composition, whether on an easel or on film. Good compositions draw your eyes in and cause them to go where the artist desires. This could be bringing the focus onto a specific object or person. Or, it could be to cause your eye to not focus on anything at all and instead move throughout the entire composition without really resting one any single thing. One piece I particularly enjoy how the lines draw focus is The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Almost every line, including the perspective lines pointing towards the vanishing point, are directing the eye to the focus of the painting - Christ. Look at the following examples to get an idea of how line can work in different compositions, and try o be more aware of these lines even in everyday life.
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