What Are The Functions of Line in Drawing?

We all know there is an endless variety of lines in drawing, some expressive others boring. I do not know of many artists who practice on a conscious level the quality of their lines.

What is line quality? Well, there are meandering lines, curved ones, emphatic and flowing, ziz-zag and other infinite possibilities.

The image here is Vincent van Gogh's The Bridge at L'Anglots completed in China ink. Notice the varying line characteristics from bold to meandering and how his lines indicated the forms almost in 3D.

Try this exercise: copy small sections of this drawing and "feel" the contours of the forms. Do not slavishly copy unless you want your drawing to become "wooden."

When you start your drawing, think of the type of line you think is most suited to your work. Work freely without too much thought and if impulse takes over your drawing should be quite creative and part of YOU!