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4 Benefits About Line Quality that Add Movement in Your Art

Updated: Feb 23, 2020

The smell of almond and vanilla floated in the kitchen as my grand-daughter, Aislynn, (sprinkled with flour), created fun-shaped cookies. While Aislynn was inspired by the curvy shapes of cookie cutters, I was inspired by the curves of line quality. 




Original watercolor roses in loose contemporary style by Kate Moynian
'Grandma's Roses' Custom Original Watercolor assorted florals by Kate

In the painting above, notice the thick and thin black lines that outline the roses. This uneven nature of the line is intentional and is called line quality.


4 benefits of line quality:


1.Adding variety to “a line” will create more interest, movement and depth into your art piece. The round shapes of the roses give movement while the thick and thin lines add depth.


Drawing from Beached in a Camper, a chapter book by Kate Moynihan illustration features two brothers filling water balloon bombs.
Water balloon bombs started all the mayhem! Illustration from Kate's Chapter Book, Beached in a Camper, $12.95. 1st grade and up

2. Above is a drawing from my first book, Beached in a Camper, where the kids are filling water balloons bombs! Feel the energy soar as heavier lines are used to draw Adam, the boy standing in front of the girl, Freckles. He's trying his hardest to save the ammunition. The bolder lines make him appear more over-powering against the girl, Freckles. Adding thick and thin lines to cartoons and illustrations will add more life to them.


Pen and ink original with watercolor musician collage by Kate Moynihan artist
Custom Original watercolor and ink by Kate

3. In the outline of the musicians and instruments the line quality enhances the lyrical movement of the piece. Feel the flow as the lines lead your eye from one musician to the next.



4. Next, the birch tree – my favorite image – with it’s natural, craggy bark, just begs for great line quality. The thick and thin lines enhance the strength of nature.


4 benefits of line quality in other paintings:

The birds and trees have more depth from the thick and thin lines.


Contemporary colorful birds in birch trees. Giclee print by Kate Moynihan
"Treetop Birds" 10.25w" x 13.5h" $75 Giclee print by Kate Moynihan. Birds are like friends. As they flock together, they remind me I'm truly never alone.

Even in paintings, the beauty of line quality is achieved and appreciated. Notice the variety to the lines of the birch trees.


Winter birch tree mixed media in coral and blue that adds warmth by Kate Moynihan
Coral captures the warm snowy shadows, but it also captures a quiet moment in time, reminding us to embrace small treasures. "Warm Afternoon Shadows" Assorted original birch landscapes 10x10" $139 by Kate Moynihan.

Bold colors contrast nicely against the texture created from line quality. The irregular lines in the birch trees increase the energy, encouraging your eye to stay longer on the painting.

Colorful watercolor birch trees in summer with reflecting water giclee print by Kate Moynihan
Ardent colors heat up the liveliness of August. You can almost feel the ice cream cone dripping on your hand. Don't be afraid to lick it because it's delicious! "Summer" Giclee Print 18x18" $150 by Kate Moynihan

4 benefits of line quality allow you to enjoy the beauty in art.


Original watercolor by Kate Moynihan. A hummingbird takes flight in a field of summer flowers: yellow black-eyed Susan, red geraniums, blue hydrangeas, and daisies.
Line quality doesn't always have to be black. Look at the thick and thin lines int the steams, leaves, and weeds. In addition to adding interest and movement, texture excels, too. Custom original watercolors available by Kate

Related article, click to read more about the Power of Lines: 4 tips for choosing art - Lines in painting and home decor.

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