ART 100 - Week 1: Line
PART 1: ALPHABET OF ART: LINE
Assignment Instructions: Within the history of world art, find examples of artwork illustrating different qualities of line drawing. Explain the different techniques and styles of each example.
Example 1: Curved Line
Great Wave of Kanagawa
- Katsushika Hokusai
c. 1830-1833
Woodblock Print
- Katsushika Hokusai
c. 1830-1833
Woodblock Print
The curved line is described in our lesson as dynamic and emotionally active. Often associated with elegant objects such as drapes, flowers, ornamental iron (ends of drapery rods, chandeliers, etc.), and flowing hair, they are more quickly utilized to create beauty than straight lines. The image above of Hokusai's Great Wave of Kanagawa uses curved lines for an unexpected impression: chaos. As the men in the boats cling to the frame work in a hopeless effort to keep their lives there is a clear imbalance on the tide. If it were to "level out", as signified by a straight line on flattened water, the image would show order, but lack interest. Even the crest of the wave looks like claws reaching for the boat ahead. The framing of Mt. Fuji between the right and left flanks of the water gives the impression of the tsunami's power, even though the mountain is distant and considerably taller than any wave in reality. The only straight line (showing order) is significant of the boards inside the boat on the left, but even this is about to be consumed.
Example 2: Straight Line
Nighthawks
- Edward Hopper
c. 1942
Oil on Canvas
- Edward Hopper
c. 1942
Oil on Canvas
The straight line is common in architecture, math, and science. It direct, as it is the shortest distance between two points. This gives it a practical application in life and art. In Hopper's Nighthawks, the majority of the image is taken up by straight lines: vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. Immediately our attention is brought to the right of the image - the rule of thirds is strong with this painting. Against a dark street seen through the back window of the cafe the bright yellow of he interior begins nearly in the center of the painting, aims to the right, and receeds downward, pointing to the center of the activity. The almost metallic green in the foreground window gives a frame within a frame to the painting, reinforcing the showcase on the center of attention.
PART 2: BOTANICAL SKETCHBOOK
Blackberry Leaves
Fern