������̳

A line is a mark made on a surface that joins different points. Lines can vary in length, width, direction and shape. Artists and designers can use lines for many different reasons.

Lines can show the subject's physical appearance or they can suggest something more than just what can be seen, such as movement.

Contour lines

Lines that are used to define the shape or form of an object or to show key details are called outlines or contour lines.

In this lithograph portrait of Berthe Morisot (1872-74) Edouard Manet has used thick black lines to create an outline of his model.

Manet varies the thicknesses of lines to communicate about different elements. The thick single outline of the clothing brings the subject together. Finer lines show the shape of her hair suggesting fine individual strands and a soft texture.

More thick dark lines draw attention to the subject's eyes. Thinner, lighter lines describe her nose and mouth - making them look softer and finer.

Aubrey Beardsley’s use of line allowed for complicated, organic shapes to be represented simply.

Some contour lines used in The Peacock Skirt (1893) are realistic – such as the simple outlines of hands and arms.

Other lines are more expressive - such as the flowing curves showing the outline of clothing. These contour lines create a sensual atmosphere rather than representing reality.