Lines and Shapes in Art

All About Lines#

When you pick up a pencil or crayon and drag it across paper, you make a line! Lines are one of the most important tools in art. Every drawing you have ever made started with lines.

Artists use many different kinds of lines to make their pictures interesting. Let's learn about the different types of lines you can draw!

Straight Lines#

A straight line gös in one direction without bending. You can draw straight lines going:

• Across — from left to right (these are called horizontal lines)
• Up and down — from top to bottom (these are called vertical lines)
• On a slant — going diagonally like a slide

Buildings are made of many straight lines. Fences, roads, and tables all have straight lines in them.

Curved Lines#

A curved line bends smoothly. It dös not have any sharp corners or points. Curved lines look gentle and flowing.

Where do you see curved lines? Rainbows are big curved lines. Snakes slither in curves. The edge of a circle is a curved line. Wavy hair and flowing water also have curves.

Zigzag Lines#

A zigzag line gös back and forth with sharp points. It looks like lightning bolts or the letter Z repeated many times. Zigzag lines feel exciting and energetic!

Zigzag lines can show lightning, mountains, pointy teeth, or a jagged edge.

Wavy Lines#

A wavy line gös up and down smoothly, like gentle waves on water. It is similar to a curved line, but it keeps repeating the curve over and over.

Wavy lines can show the ocean, rolling hills, or someone's curly hair.

Dotted and Dashed Lines#

You can also make lines by placing dots or dashes in a row. These lines feel lighter and more delicate.

Lines Have Feelings!#

Just like colors, lines have feelings too. Straight lines feel calm and strong. Zigzag lines feel exciting and wild. Wavy lines feel gentle and relaxed. Curved lines feel playful and soft.

Now you know many kinds of lines. Every time you draw, you are choosing which lines to use — and that makes you an artist!