The Arts Studio
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    • Line - Doodle
    • Done - Value and Shading
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Line: Hurray for the Doodle!


The first element of art we will be taking a look at is LINE.

A line, mathematically speaking, is a space between two points; it is straight and has no thickness.

In fine art, however, the definition of line gets expanded to include curved lines, continuous lines, broken lines, lines that change from thick to thin, and even objects placed one next to the other to form a line.

So, line in visual arts can create movement and guide the eye through the artwork.

Let's watch Mr. Doodle and see how he creates art using line.



Another famous artist who works exclusively with Sharpies is Shantell Martin. Her process, however, is quite different than Mr. Doodle's. She follows the line at first wherever it wants to go, creating large cells and divided areas; then, she fills in the gaps with whatever the area reminds her of.


What was the difference between these two thought processes? How does Mr. Doodle's process differ from Shantell's?

Now, let's explore the element of line by creating some doodles with a Sharpie! Let's use the large poster board and work in our table groups. Start from one corner of the paper and meet in the middle -- remember to be respectful when adding to someone else's artwork, as this is a collaboration!

Don't worry about planning first with a pencil -- just use your imagination and add new elements. You can use Mr. Doodle's method, Shantell Martin's, or your own!

While the kids are drawing --

Make sure to add variations to your line quality!  (play this while they are doodling, after a few minutes)



To improve your line quality, you can use smooth transitions to make your line thicker in some areas and thinner in others. This can be used when drawing with any material -- markers, pencil, charcoal, and even paint!

Here is a nice video on how to accomplish good line quality with pencil:




Other things to consider:

Movement
Line creating volume
Composition
​


Contact

The Arts Studio © Copyright 2019-2021 by Mrs. J., a teacher at Ecole Glenbrook Middle School, New Westminster
No rights reserved for ideas and materials. Use it in your classroom, make copies, enjoy!
  • done Welcome
  • done Class Rules
  • done Grade 6/7s
    • done Fine Arts >
      • done Scavenger Hunt
      • skip What does an artist do?
      • done Introduction to Art
      • done Collaborative Banner
      • done Bypass your Catalogue
      • done Charcoal Still Life
      • done Pencil Portrait
      • skip Printmaking
      • done Form and 3D sculpting
      • done Exquisite Corpse
    • Drama >
      • Done - Basics of Theater
      • Done - Improv
      • Dance and Movement
      • Done: Twisted Fairy Tales
  • Grade 8s
    • Fine Arts >
      • Explorations >
        • Done - Drawing >
          • Done - Metamorphosis
        • Done - History
        • Done -0 Pride of Self
        • Done - Microscopic Art
        • Done - Animation
        • Done - Activism
        • Done - Graffiti Art
        • Done - Book Poetry
        • Done - Junk Art
    • Drama >
      • Done - Improv >
        • Done - Warm Up
        • Done - Finals 2019
      • Done - Car Plays
      • Done - Tableau
      • Done - Musical Theatre
  • Toolbox
    • Done - Drawing
    • Mixed Media
    • Animation
    • Artist Statement
  • Elements
    • Line - Doodle
    • Done - Value and Shading
    • Colour
  • Checkout
  • Special Projects
    • Bump-Out