Definition of Straight Lines in Art

Learning art basics can help you improve your drawing skills.

When drawing, there are many types of lines you can use. The most common types are straight lines and curved lines. A straight line, which is a line that does not change directions from point to point, is referred to simply as a line. Curved lines, which have no straight lines are referred to as curves. The definition is fairly straightforward, but there are different types of lines and curves.

Line Types

There are many types of lines and curves including dotted, dashed and dimension. These terms describe the form of the line. Dotted lines are composed of short dots or dashes while dashed lines are made from long dashes. Some lines commonly used in architecture are dimension and construction lines.

Architectural Lines

Lines and curves are used in architectural drawing although lines are much more common. Two common types of architectural lines are dimension and construction. Dimension lines are used to show dimensions of a specific object or area by placing the dimension above or in the middle of the line, making a small break in the line to write the dimension. The line should extend from one end of the distance being measured to the other end exactly. Construction lines are used to help construct permanent lines or objects. These lines are later removed after the permanent lines are in place.

Straight Lines in Art

Straight lines are used in modern art.

Straight lines are one of the first things you learn how to draw when you are a child. But just because straight lines seem seem simple and perhaps uninteresting, don't think that there isn't any straight line art that would impress you. Straight line art is most commonly used in contemporary and modern art. You can see some examples of impressive straight line art at online art stores. These are prints of actual paintings that can be purchased online.

Straight Line Art Activity

Explore straight lines with art activities.

To explore straight lines and their use in art, you can do a simple activity to explore their different uses and effects. Take several sheets of different colored paper and cut strips out of each color, making 10 to 15 lines. On a black sheet of construction paper, place strips in an order to create a visually interesting design. Overlap, bend, or twist the colored strips to give your design more detail. Glue strips to the black construction paper once you have finalized your design. You can also create a 3-D design by gluing only certain parts of the colored pieces and leaving other parts unglued so that they stand upwards.

References

• Art Graphia: Glossery of Terms
• Fine Art America: Straight Line Paintings
• Early Childhood Lessons: Straight Lines