Friday, January 1, 2010

Looking for Line

Line is the subconscious design element that attracts the novice viewer. Line is the boundaries of objects, it reveals the form so it is the design element that is most easily accessible. Everyone recognizes objects, and lines are the most common description of those recognisable object. So my advice to you is to watch the line for the obvious, of course, but to also notice the nuance that it gives to the artwork.

So here is the most enjoyable nuance, the painting's response. One thing that I have noticed when paintings are placed in a home is how they respond to the environment. And how the line of the work will emphasise or sometimes even mimic the architecture. This is what makes the home so gorgeous and this is when when the artwork start to live their lives. They come alive by responding to the home. They were conceived in the artist's creative mind, executed in the studio, exhibited in a gallery, and then finally placed in their home. It is at this moment the painting is in full bloom. The line will show the rhythm of the line of the room, the line of the room will work its way into the line of the painting. It is beautiful when you start to see this conversation between the two. And that is the place where real painting begins and a place that decorating can never go.

Another nuance to remember is the rhythm of the artwork. Again line is very descriptive here. If this word makes think of movement, you would be correct. The line is very powerful in carrying the eye through the painting. So again, when you are viewing a painting, pay very careful attention to where you look first, second, and so forth. Many times the artist's use of line is the pathway. She wants to gently guide your eye to certain moments in the painting so take your time to follow these signposts. I will say it again, painting is about communicating. The artist is showing you the work, the brushstrokes, the story, and so on. And this use of line is her way of acting as tourguide. Look here for a moment, then stop here and consider this, and now take a peek over here, and so one. Stand back and allow your eye to travel across the canvas enjoying the scenery.

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