Let’s form a LINE!

Let’s form a line. Line up! Get in line! What kind of line is this? You are out of line...How often do we hear these phrases in the academic setting? Both figuratively and literally, students and teachers know exactly what is being communicated with each phrase and it’s for good reason! Lines are so important and it’s the only way to jumpstart teaching in the art room, because this element of art allows every other element, principle and objective to simply fall in line...see what I did there? It’s important to review the simple things we know, like how a line can be both short or infinite in length, thick or thin, straight or anything but, directional and quite possibly all of the above at some point in it’s movement. Line is present in pretty much all art making and although it can seem so basic, it is every bit essential. Each class is exploring the potential of lines and how they can create various patterns, designs and ideas in artwork and have historically around the world. First grade is using lines to create a rainbow magic carpet on paper. Second grade is using lines and pattern to create a turtle shell like never before. Third grade is using lines and patterns to create Koi fish painting inspired by the Gond community in India. Fourth grade is using lines and patterns to create paisley designs inspired by bright fabrics first seen in India and now popular all over. Fifth grade is using lines to create the organic objects of geodes and gems. And lastly, the middle school students are using lines and patterns to create radial symmetry in a spanish tile design that will be used in a printmaking artwork. School just started and we’ve got all kinds of art making lined up!...I just can’t help myself.