Exercise 2. Line: a Geometric Exercise
Based on a lesson by Jacqueline Andes

Line is present in all designing. Each line functions either as a main design element or as a secondary design statement.

Line performs three important functions.

1. Line encloses an area to create a 2-dimensional shape or a 3-dimensional form.
   
2. Line indicates direction -- vertical, horizontal, or diagonal - creating rhythm or movement in a work of art.
   
3. Line can create a mood or promote an emotional reaction.

The quality of a line will effect its appearance and its function.

1. Line varies in length - short or long
   
2. Line varies in weight - light, heavy, thin, or thick
   
3. Line varies in character - straight, curved, angular, twisted, broken, continuous, graceful, bold, delicate, weak, strong, masculine, feminine. . .

There are several types of lines.

1. Straight, curved or a combination of both
   
2. Organic - made by nature (informal), shapes that are irregular, and curvilinear.
   
3. Geometric - made by humans (formal), circles, squares, rectangles and triangles -- mathematical in proportion
   
4. Contour - outside edges, or outlines
   
5. Interior - detail
   
6. Repetitive - creating value, texture, and pattern

Lines can represent a realistic object or scene; they can also create an abstract image. In your first exercise, the dot going on an uninterrupted walk created an abstract design. This time you should use a number of lines, experimenting with the quality of the lines - length, weight, character - for geometric designs.

Materials:

• 3 sheets of heavy paper
  
• Felt tip marker
  
• Ruler, compass (to make circles - if you choose)

Fill the page with shapes; leave empty spaces. Vary the length, thickness, and spacing so as to make the design interesting. Use the ruler to make straight lines; the compass to create circles. Include some repetition. Let your lines express your emotions. Repeat the exercise.

Here are two student examples. How do they make you feel? How do your drawings make you feel?