Wondering what are the types of line in art, their meaning and how to use them to your advantage as an artist?
There are 5 main types of lines in art: vertical lines, horizontal lines, diagonal lines, zigzag lines, and curved lines. Other types of lines are simply variations of the five main ones.
To understand why these types of lines matter, how to use them based on their functions and discover line variations for art and design – keep reading.
Table of Contents
What is a Line in Art
A line in art is defined as a point moving in space, and it’s one of the seven elements of art (line, color, shape, form, texture, value, space).
It is one of the most crucial elements, as everything begins with just a simple dot in space, that transforms into lines and then drawings. Lines are everywhere!
5 Types of Lines in Art: Meaning and Examples
Vertical lines are straight up and down lines that are moving in space without any slant and are perpendicular to horizontal lines. They suggest height and strength because they extend towards the sky and seem unshakeable.
Horizontal lines are straight lines parallel to the horizon that move from left to right. They suggest width, distance, calmness, and stability.
Diagonal lines are straight lines that slant in any direction except horizontal or vertical. When in use, they suggest movement or lack of stability.
Zigzag lines are a series of diagonal lines joined at ends. They can convey action and excitement, as well as restlessness and anxiety.
Curved lines are lines that bend and change direction gradually. They can be simply wavy or spiral. Such lines convey the feelings of comfort and ease, as well as sensual quality as they remind us of the human body.
How to Get Variations of Lines in Art
The 5 main types of lines are the beginning of all sorts of amazing and unique lines! To get more line variations, refer to tools such as length, width, weight, texture, style, direction, the degree of curve or all of the above combined.
Length in lines can be long (tall, strong, far) or short (small, cute, close).
Width in lines goes from thin (delicate, slim, lightweight) to thick (strength, weight, power).
Weight in lines means the continuous change of width. By varying the weight, one can capture energy, movement and even suggest when one object is in front of the other.
Texture in lines defines how smooth or rough it is. Varying it can simply mean changing your working medium (for example, going from marker to charcoal or changing your digital brush).
Style of lines refers to continuous, dotted, dashed or implied lines. Continuous or implied lines are great for leading the eye of the viewer in the direction you want them to go. Dashed or dotted lines are great for patterns, energy and calling for attention.
If we combine all of these variations into one, we get a unique looking line that serves a purpose.
Types of Lines in Art Defined by Their Use
Another way to combine different lines into types is by the way they are being used in an artwork. The types of lines are contour lines, continuous line, parallel or cross-hatching lines, decoration lines, implied lines and gesture lines.
Contour lines are a continuous line that defines the outline of a shape. They can exist outside and inside a shape, or a figure and are often referred to as line art.
Some artists create contour lines by using the same width line, while others change the width to give more energy and volume suggestions.
The continuous line is when a drawing is done at one go without ever lifting it from the page.
This type of art ends up being very expressive and energetic if done right, if done not-so-well it can simply end up looking messy.
Parallel or cross-hatching lines are used to create texture, volume, shading or patterns.
They are often used as one at a time and are very effective during sketching. The more lines there are close together, the darker the area seems, creating a shadow.
Gesture lines are quick continuous lines often used to represent human form and movement, thus gesture drawing.
Gesture drawing (link to gesture drawing tips you don’t want to miss!) is often a warm-up session of 30 seconds – 5 minutes, which supports the energetic, quick and in-motion lines type.
Implied lines are lines that aren’t physically present, but generated by our minds based on other subjects.
They are a very powerful tool in art and design, as they guide the viewer’s eyes right where artist wants them to go.
Functions of Lines in Art and Design
An artist’s line is a sort of signature for them. A line is where a shape begins, and each artist owns their own gallery of preferred lines, which is the beginning of one’s art style.
And while I briefly explained the meaning each of the 5 types of lines conveys, their functions are limitless. Lines are everywhere!
The 5 most common functions of lines in art are: identification, three-dimensional space, organization, movement, texture.
The identification function of a line refers to it’s most basic function of capturing the essence of the subject. Meaning, our brain is able to identify a few varying lines put together in a certain way as a human or an object.
The three-dimensional function of line is to provide a sense of space. Variation of a line in tonality, width, weight, focus and intensity is what allows for the effect to occur.
For example, if an object is far, the tone of the line will be lighter and thinner, than for the object that is close (darker and thicker).
The organization function of a line refers to the basic underdrawing (or sketch) for artwork in painting/drawing, as well as separating or grouping elements on a page in design.
It’s often the stage when one defines the composition of art, where the foreground, middle ground and background lies, as well as the objects within it.
The movement function of a line refers to guiding the viewer’s eyes in the desired direction, as well as showing the movement of a subject.
It’s often done through varying line’s width, direction, or using implied lines.
The texture function of a line is using different variations of a line to imply textures. For example, smooth texture is created with straight or curved unbroken lines, messy texture can be created by using a different tool, and fur textures are created with a specific pattern.
Effective Ways to Use Lines
Before putting down a line, think about what your artwork is all about and choose accordingly!
If creating an energetic work of art, try using curved lines with varying width and texture!
When working on a peaceful work, try the organization function and figure out big shapes, then use curved waves and minimalism.
If working on a piece trying to convey anxiety, try cross-hatching, zig-zags and diagonal lines.
I hope you see why understanding lines can be so beneficial for your future work.
And if you have no idea what to draw next, check out my article on how to always know what to draw when bored, I used examples that help me when I feel stuck!
5 Types of Lines and Variations: Infographic
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5 Types of Line Defined by Use: Infographic
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Lines Types, Varieties and Functions Summary
To sum up, these are the 5 types of lines:
- Vertical
- Horizontal
- Diagonal
- Zigzag
- Curved
You can make a variety of lines using these tools:
- Length
- Width
- Weight
- Texture
- Style
Other types of lines are defined by the technique you are using:
- Contour lines
- Continuous line
- Parallel or cross-hatching
- Gesture lines
- Implied lines
And their 5 functions are:
- Identification
- Three-dimensionality
- Organization
- Movement
- Texture
Use this line knowledge to your advantage! And if you are ready, learn how to draw from imagination like a pro in my article where I share a 3-step process and personal advice!
