2020 #13 Topic Introduction: Lines

 2020 Topic 13: Lines

Hi everyone, Keren here with a thin or thick topic, curved or straight, expressive or unremarkable; we're talking lines! Granted, at first hearing the topic, you might be forgiven for thinking it's a unremarkable theme, but hang on, have a little look at some wonderful examples that might have you grabbing your pencil or biro to get doodling with! You could rightly argue that I just need to plonk a tonne of examples using PaperArtsy stamp sets, as aren't all images made up of lines? Yes, but let's show a few different ideas to make you think in different directions.

Starting off with a perfect 'line'-up (sorry!), we have a trio of PaperArtsy favourites, using 'lines' in every which way. The first artist is Gwen Lafleur and this piece of hers has so many lines in different thicknesses, directions, colours and textures. I love the abundance of lines here, so it makes the perfect start. 

PaperArtsy Blog

Secondly, we have Raquel Burillo or Scrapcosy as she's better known to many of us. Her stencils have some well designed lines, and pair beautifully with the vintage vibe that she does so well.

PaperArtsy Blog

Last, but certainly not least, is Sara Naumann. Her stencil has a wonderful grid that appears to be disappearing into the horizon. You can see it on this gorgeous example.

PaperArtsy Blog

I remember this artist as a younger boy producing amazing drawings from memory. His style has matured with age but his ability to remember complete landscapes from a short viewing of them has remained unchanged (he memorised an entire area of Madrid in 30 minutes).

Stephen Wiltshire

This next artist, Nikos Gyftakis, uses lines in a continuous way, forming the contours of the face whilst carving out expression and emotion. His works are fluid and utterly beautiful.

Nikos Gyftakis

This next artist wrote an algorithm that turns photographs into wonderful pieces of line drawn art.

Sergej Stoppel

We've all seen optical illusions, and this example is doubly clever. Step back and you'll see a statuesque face. Look again and find the other puzzle! With lines, we can curate other images.

Sergi Delgado

Lines can be wonderfully curved and sinuous. This glorious page of curves and curlicues shows how doodling and drawing can be a wonderful addition to your journals.

Jenn Olson

Thinking a little about what you might use to draw lines with, you might not think of a biro type of pen in the first instance. This next piece, however uses one with real deftness and lightness. He often draws on unusual surfaces; this one is a letter from a bank! 

Mark Powell

Have you tried creating an image without letting your drawing/painting implement stop? Try continuous line drawing, it;s a great discipline and creates real movement in a piece, and an extremely on-trend idea for interior decor currently.

Explicit Design

So even if you don't see yourself an as artist, how might you use lines in your art? I love this next piece, the piece flowing with 'moving' columns. 

Julia Wright

Paint can be hard to control in perfectly straight lines, but how about relying on gravity? This is a clever technique and look at the glorious puddle of colour underneath!

Ian Davenport

Perhaps you are looking to fill space in your journals or art. Maybe you could try gentle angles and differently spaced lines.

Julianna Kunstler

Lines altered slightly can cleverly add meaning to the image. No colour, just perfectly executed lines.

Nester Formentera

Lines don't have to be continuous. Kantha stitching is a lovely way of introducing running stitches onto fabric. They add texture and colour onto pieces.

Stitching Sanity

Lastly, I thought I'd include something with a little colour. Love the contrast of wavy and straight lines.

Kathy Racoosin

I hope that this has given you some more ideas of using lines in art. It's going to be fascinating seeing what the PaperArtsy bloggers have come up with as this theme could go in so many directions.

If you want to create along with us, please share on our social feeds so we can see what you get up to. The best places are Instagram @paperartsy or post in PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook. Make sure you tag us in your contributions, we love to see what you get up to in your creative world!