This document discusses the basic elements of visual language, focusing on lines. It defines a line and describes its characteristics like shape, thickness, color, and texture. Lines are classified as simple, composed, zig zag, wavy, curly, scribble/doodle, or dashed. The direction, intensity and variations in a line's direction impact its psychological and expressive qualities. Horizontal lines express peace, vertical lines express strength, and oblique lines transmit instability and movement. Curved lines give a sense of movement and dynamism. Lines can be used to divide space, create textures, and produce shading through hatching. An exercise is described using lines to create a drawing without lifting the pencil.

1. BASIC
ELEMENTS
OF VISUAL
LANGUAGE

2. THE LINE

3. 1.Definition

4. • When a dot moves, it
leaves a trace that we
see as a line. So a line
can be defined as the
graphic representation
of a dot in motion.
•A graphic line must
always be longer than
its width. It has a
position and a direction
in space and one of its
main functions is to
delimitate the outline
of shapes

5. •The shape, thickness,
colour and texture of
the lines depend on
the different tools
and materials we use
and the way we use
them.
•Its Intensity depends
on the pression we are
doing with the drawing
tool (pencil, pen,
brush, crayon...). If
we press, the line is
stronger and it has a
higher intensity

6. 2.Types of
lines

7. Lines can be classified in:
•Simple lines are made in
just one stroke, straight
or curve.
•Composed lines are made
of fragments of two or
more straight or curve
lines.

8. The composed lines can also be:
•Zig Zag or Broken lines:
They are formed by fragments of several
straight lines with different directions.
•Wavy lines:
They are formed by several fragments of
curved lines.
•Curly lines:
They hold more curves than wavy lines and
show loops.
•Scribble/Doodle:
Chaotic or meaningless lines that are traced
randomly.
Dashed (or dotted) lines:
They are lines which are not continuous,
formed by little traces or dots.

9. 3.Expressive
capacity
of the line

10. The way lines are
drawn on paper can
bring a drawing to life
and communicate
multiple ideas and
feelings because it has
different psychological
impact according to its
direction, intensity,
and the variations in
its direction.
Lines show the
personality of the
artist, as a signature
does

18. HORINZONTAL LINES
Horizontal lines
express sensation of
peace, rest sensation,
quietness and coldness.
It gives a visual
sensation of stability,
calm and serenity. It
also transmits fidelity.

19. VERTICAL LINES
Vertical lines express
strength, power,
elegance, spirituality.
It also transmits a
visual sensation of
growing, balance and
elevation sensation

20. OBLIQUE LINES
Oblique lines transmit
more instability and
movement. These two
aspects give slanting
lines a visual
sensation of
dynamism. It also
transmits decision
and willingness.
If they begin at the
same point, they give
us sensation of
depth.

22. CURVED LINES
Curved lines give us
sensation of movement,
action and dynamism.
It also transmits joy.

24. 4.Line´s uses
We can use
lines for:

25. Dividing the space:
The line is the principal
element used to structure
space.

26. SHADING
We give a shape a
sense of volume and
depth when we shade it
with lines.
We can shade dark
areas by drawing
parallel lines close
together or shade
lighter areas by spacing
the lines further apart.
This way of drawing is
called HATCHING

27. Producing
and
creating
textures

28. Exercises

29. You have to make a drawing
with lines keeping your
pencil all the time in touch
with the paper surface .
To finish your drawing you
have to draw it again with
your felt tip pen and after
that you have to fill the
spaces with colour in it.
Remember that you cannot
arise your pencil from the
paper