Line Quality

Defining Mass

Linear Perspective


Position

Position, direction and scale affect the dynamics of a line. Vertical lines appear more active than horizontal ones. Diagonals appear even more kinetic because they seem less stable. Stability is also the main reason why a long line positioned towards the top of the picture plane generally seems more dynamic than if it were shorter or placed in a lower region of the drawing. These straightforward "rules of thumb" can become complicated by such things as a line's proximity to the edges of the picture or its interaction with other lines.
 

First you must select one of the lines located on the top left of the exercise area. The buttons on the bottom left allow you to change the size and value (light to dark). You can also slide the Rotate button back and forth to rotate the line. Click the Reset button to start over again. Position the lines to create a sense of movement, weight, balance, congestion or chaos.