As a sculptor, Moore was fascinated by the subtle variations in the cushioned forms of their woolly fleeces and he recorded these observations in a sketchbook using a ballpoint pen. In 1972, while preparing for a major retrospective exhibition of his sculptures in Florence, Henry Moore would relax by drawing the sheep in a field outside his studio. We have analyzed each of these to demonstrate how great artists use this visual element as a creative force in their work.

Our selection of artworks illustrated below have been chosen because they all use line in an inspirational manner. Mechanical lines can express a rigid controlĬontinuous lines can lead the eye in certain directionsīroken lines can express the ephemeral or the insubstantial The way we draw a line can convey different expressive qualities:įreehand lines can express the personal energy and mood of the artist Vertical lines suggest height and strength Horizontal lines suggest distance and calm We have a psychological response to different types of lines:

It can be used to suggest shape, pattern, form, structure, growth, depth, distance, rhythm, movement and a range of emotions. Line in an artwork can be used in many different ways. It is the first and most versatile of the visual elements. T he Visual Element of Line is the foundation of all drawing.

Definition of zentangle art