The elements of art: line
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and draw different types of lines and know how they are used in art making.
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.
Teacher tip
You can explore line with any material that you have.
Equipment
Paper or sketchbook and black pens.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Contour lines focus on ...
Q2.The lines in this image are examples of ...
Q3.Line weight is important in an artwork because ...
Q4.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 ...
Q6.When lines are used in cross-hatching the closeness and density of the lines can affect the ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are affected by line?
Q2.Another word for line is ...
Q3.Lines can be created and applied in ...
Q4.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?
Q6.The term line weight refers to ...
To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: The elements of art: line, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: The elements of art: line, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 art and design lessons from the The elements of art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.