Activity 3 Line Types 

Purpose
To explore the expressive qualities of lines.

Materials
Drawing materials pencil, ink, crayon, and paper.

Method
Different line types produce different expressive effectsÑstraight lines are rigid, diagonal lines are exciting, vertical lines are dignified, horizontal lines are quiet and restful. Combinations of these lines can express complex feelings.

Create several abstract line patterns expressing the qualities (not things) felt in selected nouns, adjectives, and verbs. The expression should lie not in the description of objects but within the nature of the lines themselves.

(Figs. 3.3A, 3.3B, 3.3C; also see figs. 3.9, 3.11, 3.13, 3.26, and 3.27 in your textbook)