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Lesson 2 of 7
The elements of art: line
I can identify and draw different types of lines and know how they are used in art making.
Lesson 2 of 7
New
New
The elements of art: line
I can identify and draw different types of lines and know how they are used in art making.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Line is used in mark-making.
- Mark-making can be used to create texture.
- Contour lines focus on the outline, form and shape of a subject.
Keywords
Line weight - the thickness or thinness of a line
Contour - the line outlining a shape or form, like an outline
Mark-making - the different lines, dots, marks, patterns, and textures we create in an artwork
Common misconception
Line is only used for drawing.
Artists create and apply lines in a multitude of ways across different mediums including sculpture and painting, as well as in drawing.
You can explore line with any material that you have.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Paper or sketchbook and black pens.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Contour lines focus on ...
Contour lines focus on ...
showing the details of a subject.
planning how to make an artwork.
adding texture and mark-making.
weight of line to create interesting visual effects.
Q2.The lines in this image are examples of ...
The lines in this image are examples of ...
Q3.Line weight is important in an artwork because ...
Line weight is important in an artwork because ...
it makes lines look heavy and grounded.
it can add mark-making and textures.
it focuses on colours.
Q4.Fill in the missing gap: -making is the different lines, dots, marks, patterns and textures we create in an artwork.
Fill in the missing gap: -making is the different lines, dots, marks, patterns and textures we create in an artwork.
Q5.Different types of line can be created and applied in ...
Different types of line can be created and applied in ...
Q6.When lines are used in cross-hatching the closeness and density of the lines can affect the ...
When lines are used in cross-hatching the closeness and density of the lines can affect the ...
colour of the paint.
contour lines.
Assessment exit quiz
Download quiz pdf
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are affected by line?
Which of the following are affected by line?
colour
Q2.Another word for line is ...
Another word for line is ...
Q3.Lines can be created and applied in ...
Lines can be created and applied in ...
drawings only.
calligraphy and typography only.
Q4.Match the terms to the correct description.
Match the terms to the correct description.
the line outlining a shape or form, like an outline
the different lines, dots, marks, patterns and textures in art
the thickness or thinness of a line
Q5.Why is line important in art?
Why is line important in art?
It makes the art look colourful and vibrant.
Q6.The term line weight refers to ...
The term line weight refers to ...
how long your lines are
how curvy the lines are
if the lines are neat and realistic
if the lines use mark-making and contours