A point on a blank paper is a basic form of visual expression. Our mind desires meaning for the point to have meaning assigned to it. Meaning equates to the relationship of the point to the rest of the page or the organization of the point within the page. If we put another point on the page, automatically the eye will connect the two points to build an imaginary line between the two points. When a third point is added a triangle is naturally formed by the eye. The aforementioned exercise of the mind and eye providing meaning through connection is Gestalt.

Gestalt theory, which originates in Germany provides designers with concepts such as:

  • Closure – the mind imagines missing parts to form a complete picture.
  • Continuity – individual pieces come together to become a form.
  • Similarity – similar shapes and colours are grouped together.
  • Proximity – grouping together forms that are close to one another.

A line is signified by a marking made by moving a point from one area to another area. The line impact is determined by weight, direction and variations in weight and direction. Lines are used visually as seen in aesthetics of various forms and arts. Lines also communicate verbally. Thus, lines evoke emotion. Lines are human made and found in nature naturally. Lines individually convey shapes, forms and can be grouped together to convey textures and patterns. Grouping of lines provides form and value.

Horizontal lines convey a feeling of calmness, vertical lines convey aloofness and brilliance.  Diagonal lines invoke motion and direction while soft curves are soothing and sensuous. Deep curves and sharp angles invoke disorientation, instability and brutality. 

The quality of a line, its weight, direction, and style contribute to the mood of a visual expression.

Information courtesy of New York School of Interior Design “Visual Concepts” Class

This photograph by me has various representations of lines. The horizontal lines in the middle of the picture, created by the clouds and the horizontal position of the mountains create a sense of order, organization and thus calmness. Furthermore, the soft curve of the light blue in the water is soothing. The lightness of the clouds is depicted by their fluid nature and the ease with which they blend with the sky, creating a sense of airiness. The thickness of the lines in the mountains and bridge convey these as heavy weight items. Moreover, the shrubs lining the water vary in weight but are generally thin conveying these as relatively lightweight. These are going in all different directions to create a sense of erraticism.

In this image taken by me, the diagonal line created by the bridge and its reflection in the water is providing direction. The horizontal lines in the centre created by the mountain and clouds provide a sense of centre. In contrast, the sharp angles of the rocks break up the sense of calm and stillness of the water. Viewing this image, my mind groups the water, sky and clouds together. The other group created by my mind is the bridge, mountains and land in the middle of the image. The rocks are a third and completely separate group created by my mind. Out of all three of the images, the second image is the most calming for me because in the first image the shrubs create a sense of volatility due to the lines running in all different directions. Similarly, in the third image the waves break my sense of stillness because of all the different directions of the angles.

In this image the lines in the outlines of the waves, going in all different directions creates a sense of harshness. Image captured by me.