what is line in art

Line is one of the seven elements of art and is considered by many to be the most basic element of art. In terms of art, line is considered "a moving dot". Line art or line drawing is any image that consists of distinct straight lines or curves placed against a background, without gradations in shade or hue to represent two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects. Line can be used to define shapes and figures, but also to indicate motion, emotion, and other elements. There are many types of lines in art, including horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzag, curved, dotted, broken, spiral, and curly lines. Lines can be used to communicate the edges or boundaries of a subject, and they can be used to describe the details of a subject. Lines that are used to communicate the edges and/or to describe the details of a subject are called contour lines. Line variation, including width, length, texture, thickness, direction, and degree of curve, can be used to add interest to a drawing or painting.