2-8 - Advanced Photoshop & Graphic Design

Quicklinks to all course lessons: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Lesson 2 sections: 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-6 2-7 2-8 2-9 2-JFF 2-IDEA

A02-08: Elements of Art and Design: Line
Objectives:

Understand that using the elements of design are how you actually apply the principles of design you've learned.
Understand that using line is one of the most powerful ways to lead the eye through an image
Understand that lines can be implied through continuity - such as using the principle of alignment to create a strong visual line.

Learn:

Depending upon what you choose to read, there are varying opinions on just what the elements of art are. Generally, the seven elements of design and art shown above are the most common. Just as you should consciously consider the principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity, the elements of design and art are the actual ways, or tools you use, to implement the principles. You can use lines to direct the eye, connect elements together, provide energy or stability. You can use color to contrast or unify - or to convey an emotion or cultural meaning. Each element can provide you a way to solve a design problem, and you should think about them as you create images, documents, etc. I keep a list of them handy to remind me when I'm designing a project. As you continue to consciously consider each of them, they'll become a mental checklist you'll always remember. If you are a photographer or an artist, look for these elements in life or nature. They can become the basis of a great photo, painting, or image.

Line: "Line is defined as a mark that spans a distance between two points (or the path of a moving point), taking any form along the way. As an art element, line pertains to the use of various marks, outlines and implied lines in artwork and design, most often used to define shape in two-dimensional art work. It has thickness, direction, and length." Wikipedia - Elements of Art

Using lines is one of the most powerful ways to lead the eye through an image. Arrows, dotted lines, and strong linear shapes lead our eyes automatically - we don't even have to think about it. Next week you'll learn about the gestalt principles - pre-attentive visual processing that our brains do automatically. Continuity is one of those. Continuity is very much like the principle of alignment. Our brains are automatically connecting the dots, or the visual lines created when things are aligned. These lead our eyes and move us along - because our brains want to follow those connections our eyes see. Look at the examples at right and below. Pay attention to how your eyes are following lines in these images!

Here, lines have been used in a rather humorous way, and speak of genetics. Dad and mom lines combine in the son.

The awesome linear light beams lead the eye to the subject riding his bicycle. Having the color information removed allows you to focus on the values of light and shade.