Elements of Design

Outlines:

Outlines are lines made by the edge of an object or its silhouette.  An outline makes an object seem flat and is usually the same thickness throug-out.  Tracing around an object placed on a sheet of paper is one way to create an outline.

Contour:

Lines that describe the shape of an object and the interior detail.  For example, a contour drawing of a person's face would include the line defining the shape of the head and additional lines that describe the surfaces and planes of the facial features.

Gesture:

Gesture lines are line that are energetic and catches the movement and gestures of an active figure.   Sometimes gesture lines are called movement lines, and they emphasize direction and fluidity.  They are typically done quickly in the form of a rough sketch as the model moves.  Therefore they lack detail.

Sketch Lines:

Sketch lines provide more detail tahn outlines, contour lines, and gesture lines.  They can be drawn very quickly, but they sometimes have a polished appearance.  Sketch lines often give an object the appearance of depth, or three-diemnsionality.

Calligraphic:

Greek word meaning “beautiful writing.” Precise, elegant handwriting or lettering done by hand. Also artwork that has flowing lines like an elegant handwriting.

Implied:

Lines that are not actually drawn but created by a group of objects seen from a distance. The direction an object is pointing to, or the direction a person is looking at.

Try This

While no one but you may see this hands on exercise, take the time to do it just as if you were turning it in for a grade. It will help reinforce what you have learned.

Using pen or pencil and plain paper, spend at least 10 minutes sketching a variety of lines. Using your favorite page layout or graphics program spend a minimum of 20 minutes getting to know the line drawing capabilities of the program. Draw solid and dashed lines. Draw freeform lines. Explore whatever options your program has for changing line width, length, line endings.