DRAWING CLASSES: LINE: Same Subject / Different Media / Different Line

When considering your use of line, also take into account a) how its character relates to your subject matter-- either how it best serves the expression of your subject's form, or expresses the temperament you wish to convey and b) how the line is born of the medium you are using-- different drawing media are capable of producing different lines.

As far as different line quality or character is concerned, consider the following types: mechanical, structural, lyrical, constricted or aggressive, handwritten or calligraphic, implied, blurred and whimsical.

Here are some student examples of different line quality resulting from considering the use of different drawing media, as it records the same subject:

1. Boot Studies

a) brush and ink (gesture)

b) ink pen (contour + gesture-top / contour study-bottom)

c) charcoal stick (gesture)

2. Fruit Basket Studies

a) brush and ink (contour)

b) graphite pencil (contour)

d) charcoal pencil (contour)

3. Spine Studies

a) graphite pencil (contour)

c) brush and ink (gesture)

c) vine charcoal (contour)

4. Boar's Head Studies

a) charcoal pencil (gesture)

b) graphite pencil (contour)

c) brush and ink (contour with tone)

5. Shoe Studies

a) graphite pencil (contour)

b) brush and ink (gesture)

c) charcoal stick (gesture)