Describe what purposes line can serve in design. Now, use the lesson for information:
As you can probably assume from seeing the various effects they can have, lines can be used for a variety of purposes. They can show direction by leading the eye a certain way or add movement to a piece. Lines can also be used to outline an object or divide a space. They can even be used to communicate a feeling. The main purposes for lines are outlined as follows:
organize
lead the eye
provide movement
communicate a feeling
add texture or visual appeal
Observe how each type of line creates a different effect.
Width - The varying width of lines in this drawing draws your attention to the bottom of the picture and makes it appear that the top of the image is fading away, as the old man's life is fading away. Length - The long, vertical lines in the trellis poles, the trees, the building, and even the woman create a feeling of height and strength. Texture - The textured lines of this sculpture are precise and create a feeling of order. Type - These two mosaics are both made by arranging tiles. One mosaic has curving, sweeping lines that create a feeling of movement. The other mosaic has sharp, angular lines that create a feeling of structure. Style - The dashed lines used to draw this image of a fashonista dog help create a feeling of whimsy.
Compositional movement refers to the path the eye takes when viewing a composition or visual design. Lines are also very commonly used to lead the eye in a certain direction. Your eyes tend to pick out lines in visual designs and follow them. So, lines are a great way to lead someone’s focus to a certain aspect of a design. For example, adding a border around a certain piece of information will lead the viewer’s eye to that content.
Visual designs can easily give the viewer a sense of movement through the use of lines, but don’t get this sense of movement confused with compositional movement. Compositional movement refers to the actual movement of the viewers’ eyes through a visual piece, while a sense of movement gives the viewer the feeling of movement. Creating a sense of movement in a design piece is useful when trying to provide the sense of growth, progress, change, or movement, obviously.