Turn to page 29 in your text. Read from the top of column two on page 29 through page 35. It is important at this time that you begin to see the many, varied ways that line is used in art. The textbook introduces a lot of specialized terms that you may find useful later in life, but in order to develop an appreciation of art you must first see the lines and recognize their individual qualities with your eyes. Remember that you will not be tested on all of the new vocabulary presented in the text, only the terms listed at the end of each lesson.
Artists are keenly aware of the emotional and psychological impact of lines.
Return to page 33. Here, the author points out the horizontal lines in illustration 4-16 of the Shoin, Katsura Imperial Villa. Horizontal lines are lines that follow the horizon, from left to right or side to side. The author describes these lines as relating to the flat ground and symbolizing restfulness and stability. We are horizontal whenever we sleep or lie down.