Visual Art – Creative Composition

Module – 3
Rule of Line in Composition
Role Name Affiliation

Principal Investigator Prof. Ragini Roy

Head, Dept. of Drawing & Painting;
Dean, Faculty of Arts
Dayalbagh Educational Institute
(Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh,
Agra
Co-Principal Prof. Ashvini Kumar Dept. of Drawing & Painting;
Investigator Sharma Faculty of Arts,
Dayalbagh Educational Institute
(Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh,
Agra
Paper Coordinator Dr. Alka Chadha Asst. Prof., Dept. of Fine Arts :
Drawing & Painting, R.G. PG College,
Meerut, U.P.
Content Writer/Author Ms. Surjit Akre Professional Artist, President
Roerich’s Art Club, affiliated with
Russian Centre of Science and
Culture, New Delhi
Content Reviewer Prof. R.N. Mishra Former Dean, Faculty of Visual Art,
BHU, Varanasi
Language Editor Prof. S.K. Chauhan Head, Dept. of English Studies,
Dayalbagh Educational Institute
(Deemed University), Dayalbagh, Agra
Project Manager Dr. Amit Kumar Johri Dept. of Drawing & Painting;
Faculty of Arts,
Dayalbagh Educational Institute
(Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh,
Agra

Items Description of Module

Subject Name Visual Art
Paper Name Creative Composition
Module Name/Title Rule of Line in Composition
Module Id VA/CC/03
Pre-Requisites Knowledge of how the use of Lines create interest in composition.
Objectives Be able to utilize different Lines for enhancing effects.
Keywords Definition and Examples of Lines as an Element of Design

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 1

 Visual Art – Creative Composition

THE USES OF LINE

In terms of art, line is considered to be a moving dot. It has an endless number of uses in the
creation of art.

When line is used for value or shading, we most typically see it used in the form of hatching
or cross hatching. Although these are arguably the most common forms of using line for adding
value, there is an endless number of ways that it can be used.

A simple way of thinking of a line is to imagine a point that moves.

The most common use of line is showing where an object ends. This type of line is called
a contour line. Contour lines are most commonly called outlines.

Line can also create the illusion of form in a drawing. Line quality is the thickness or thinness
of a line. By varying the line quality an artist can show form in a drawing with just the use of
line.

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 2

 Visual Art – Creative Composition

Line can also indicate shadow and form through the use of cross contour lines. Cross contour
lines follow the contours of the object.

Line- element of art. In terms of art, line can be described as a moving dot. Line is perhaps
the most basic element of drawing.

Main Content

Hello. Let me introduce myself to you as a Professional artist of 40 years standing. Myself is
Surjit Akre, I am the first Indian artist who has have achieved the Post Graduate Degree from
the Academy of Art, Repin Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, Saint Petersburg,
Russia. I am also the Founder President of Roerich’s Art Club affiliated to Russian Centre of
Science and Culture. New Delhi. In this module I am going to demonstrate how the Rule of
Lines is used in any design or painting. This module has demonstration of how to develop the
abstract composition by using the different lines. You will also learn how the Lines can control
a viewer's eye. It can describe edges. It can indicate form as well as movement. It can also
indicate value and a light source in drawing.

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 3

 Visual Art – Creative Composition

This article will describe the various forms of lines, how to use lines to compliment your
composition and how lines can form a specific atmosphere or feeling.

Let us start our own painting. In this composition we are using lines, rule of thirds, simplicity.
First of all, you have to draw the layout on the canvas with bold lines. To draw the lines here
I will use 2B pencil. You have to start it with focal point. Here I am using some dots. I put the
dot on the focal point and moving the lines to the different sides to draw the composition. A
line is a path made by a moving point. In terms of art, line is considered a moving dot or the
path of a dot. Now I have made the contour of the pyramid of our composition by using the
diagonal lines according to the rule of thirds and will continue this line to the left side. Straight
left lines create different moods and add affection to visual arts. Different lines express
different emotions and ideas. With flowing, well-placed lines, you can create captivating,
dynamic images. In the right-hand side foreground of the painting, I will use curve lines
towards left side and will make the curve. Then I am using vertical line and again it will turn
towards our hut and end to the one third proportion of the canvas. In the same way in left hand
side of the foreground I am using curve which gives us perspective. Lines and curves are both
important aspects of composition. They can separate or connect elements, lead the eye into and
through a scene, and add a sense of movement and dynamism. Curves can also guide a viewer
to a point of interest and lend a sense of grace.

In the middle-left side of the composition and the upper side in the sky we will use zigzag lines
to create some excitement. We are using the lines to create edges, the outlines of the forms,
and to create the dimension and perspective.

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 4

 Visual Art – Creative Composition

We will also create the movement by using the lines. There are different types of lines. Vertical
lines - lines that move up and down without any slant

Horizontal lines - lines that are parallel to the horizon

Diagonal lines - lines that slant

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 5

 Visual Art – Creative Composition

Zigzag lines - lines made from a combination of diagonal lines

Curved lines - Lines that change direction gradually

Line Variation - adding interest to your lines is important in creating successful artwork

Length - lines can be long or short

Width - lines can be wide or skinny

Texture - lines can be rough or smooth

Direction - lines can move in any direction

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 6
 Visual Art – Creative Composition

Degree of curve - lines can curve gradually or not at all

Line quality or line weight - refers to the thickness or thinness of a line. By varying the line
quality artists can make objects appear more 3-Deminsional and more interesting

Hatching and crosshatching - using lines to create value

Hatching - lines going in the same direction

Crosshatching - lines that cross

After finishing your drawing, it is time to select you colour palette. In this composition we will
use the cool and warm colour combination. It is important to think about the light. As you see
in this picture light is coming from the right side. So, I will just start to paint with sky. We
will start from the bottom of the sky filling the light shade of the blue colour from left to right.
You can start from anywhere in your canvas. Now mix some black and make darker shade of
the blue to apply in the top of the sky. It will help to give the dimension in the sky. I am using
here the Crosshatching Painting Technique

In crosshatching brushstrokes are crisscrossed over each other to create a web of color.

The spacing between the lines can be varied, depending on the effect you want.

You can use crosshatching to model form, build up areas of light and shade, or create lively
color mixtures.

Crosshatching can be done in any number of colors, brushed on in any direction.

Wet on wet crosshatching. Make x patterns with one color. Without washing the brush get the
other color make same x’s and blend.

Wet of dry crosshatching. Lay a flat wash of blue, then crosshatch in various directions using
fairly dry paint. The underground color glows through and creates a subtle optical mixture.

Now come to the foreground. Here I am using texture on the dirt path. I mix yellow ochre,
black, white and blue to make the cool and muddy tone. To give the smooth texture I am just
using small flat brush and apply the thick colour. Roughly moving the brush in different
directions leaving the white space then thinned the colour, add some water and cover the white
space. After that just cover all the selected area with a light colour. I will fill this colour with
flat brush. I just used muddy grey colour. Here to make the different tone I just repeat a brush
stroke on the makes the colour brighter.

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 7

 Visual Art – Creative Composition

In this painting we are using dull and muddy colour. For this type of colour combination you
have to be very careful. I fill the colour in the front area and give some small dots at the shadow
of the tree.

After that I make the darkest tone of the green by mixing the prussion blue and olive green in
it. And apply in the area near the focal point. To start take a fine pointed brush and first you
have to fill the outline of the shape then fill the colour in it. Continue filling the green with
different shades on all over the greenery of the bushes. There are also many different tree trunk
colors and styles depending on which type of tree you wish to paint. Trees have different
branch and trunk structures, so it's important to study different types of trees and how they are
naturally built. Be sure to add variety of colors and values to mimic nature and create a realistic
image. You can use different type of brushstrokes here. I am applying first in the edges then
filled with thick color and smashed. I also use the Stippling Technique

Stippling is the brush technique that uses random small dots or scattered brush marks to create
colors, tones and textures with. You can paint each tiny dot of color in a controlled way with
a small brush, or you can use a flat, bigger brush, and let the bristles make the dots for you.

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 8

 Visual Art – Creative Composition

Making separate dots with a small brush, hold the brush perpendicular to the surface, and make
each dot evenly spaced, without pressing too hard. Paint can be quite fluid but not runny.

You can experiment by intermixing two or more colors; graduating from one color to another;
and applying a stipple over different colored washes.

Stippling with a stiff brush, each of the hairs leaves a tiny dot of color. Using a brush with
softer hair to stipple will produce a slightly blurred, more irregular effect.

On the left wall we will use lighter warm tone by mixing orange and black which will give
contrast but very smoothly. Here we will use different monotones.

At the right side of the wall, we will use lighter shade. Mix yellow ochre, white and black and
apply this tone front of the right wall.

Now move towards the pyramid. In the roof of the hut, we will use light Indian red.

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 9

 Visual Art – Creative Composition

Here we will use Indian red mixing with white. You can see this colour is giving very contrast
while in the background there is light blue.

On the upper side walls of the hut, we will use light blue shadows and pure white on the front
side of the hut. Here is our focal point. The darkest is green in the background is also giving
the big contrast here which will attract the viewers.

After this initial application of colour in sky come towards the main centre. Put some details
in the hut.

In the wall of the hut, I will give shadows with light blue.

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 10

 Visual Art – Creative Composition

Keep the other part of the hut pure white.

For the upper side of sky, we will make the light tone of blue. Blue is very pleasing colour and
it sooths the eyes. Apply this thin colour near the contour of the hut. You can use your brush
strokes different way to give some texture of the cloud.

Now give some final details near the focal point.

After one code we have to see the painting from distance. Now you will feel where to give
shadows and highlight. We will give the contrast near the focal point. Now we can see in this
composition that we have breaks away from drawing art as it is represented in real life. We
have explored form and colours, impression of real life without all the little details.

A simple change in composition can make a huge different. Take a look at the painting, we
have used simple lines and make abstract composition.

Module-3: Rule of Line in Composition | 11