Horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines are three of the most basic straight line types that you will use in art class. Horizontal lines are typical in paintings and drawings as a line that marks the presence of the horizon. These lines begin at a point and move parallel with the ground, ceiling or skyline.
A vertical line starts at a point and moves upward or downward. A vertical line will be parallel with the side of the paper or canvas. The line of a tree trunk from top to bottom represents a vertical line. Conversely, diagonal lines are with horizontal or vertical lines that move at a slant. The slant can move either to the right or left.
Angled, curved and gesture lines are other lines you will utilize in art class. An angled line creates a wide or narrow angle by connecting two diagonal lines that are moving in different directions. Angled lines are used most often to create corners.
A curved line is similar to an angled line, but instead of creating a squared corner, a curved line can create an object that is rounded or curling. Curved lines can also express movement, such as smoke billowing from a chimney. Similarly, a gesture line is created to express continual movement. However, this line does not follow a specific form, like a curve or angled line. Gesture lines may be curved and angled at the same time.
Contour lines are equally as important in art class because they provide shape and definition. A contour line creates an edge or boundary, allowing objects in your artwork to be distinguishable from one another. Contour lines also provide complexity and depth. Contour lines can distinguish a piece of fruit in a bowl from the bowl itself in a painting.
A dividing line also creates a boundary, separating one space from another. You will use these lines in art class to create a horizon or separate blocks in a pattern. There are endless applications for the use of dividing lines in art class. A dividing line can be real or imagined. Occasionally a dividing line will not be drawn on the paper, but rather, implied.
A decorative line is any kind of line used in art class to decorate and adorn the details of your artwork. These decorative lines are used to create shapes or patterns. Decorative lines embellish and provide detail to objects in your artwork you want to stand out from the rest.