With the sixth-grade classes, we held a workshop on one of the fundamental elements of art: the line. Our goal was to transform a simple landscape into a dynamic composition, using only black parallel lines. This activity enhanced our graphic sensibility, our ability to manage contrast and spatial depth, while also offering us a way to explore a variety of materials. The idea came from Stephanie Villiotis, an American colleague from Pennsylvania: you can find her website at this link.
Materials:
- Drawing sheet
- ruler and pencil for the frame
- rubber
- tools for black lines
- thick-tipped permanent black marker
- black marker thin-tipped
- black pen
- black pencil
- stick-glue
- small piece of gold foil (like the one used for chocolate)
Our Procedure
To begin, we prepared the base by drawing a 3 cm frame along all edges of the paper, using a ruler. Next, we sketched out our landscape (mountain or seascape), dividing it into seven or eight levels of depth, from the foreground to the sky.
Once we were satisfied with the composition, we used the thick-tipped black marker to outline all the landscape layers, making them clear and visible. This thick layer serves to clearly separate the areas we will fill.
The heart of the work was filling the spaces. Within each layer, we drew very close parallel lines. To create the vibration of the lines and the sense of depth, we used different tools: a thin marker, a ballpoint pen, and a graphite pencil. The alternation of these thicknesses creates contrast and makes the drawing vibrant.
We paid attention to following the landscape’s contours, for example, by drawing the curved lines that ascend the hills. The parallel lines, drawn freely but very close together, give a sense of movement to the surface and simulate a certain three-dimensionality.
Finally, we decorated the outer frame, filling it with simple patterns made of black parallel lines. Then we added a focal point: we drew a sun or moon and carefully covered it with gold foil. This touch of golden light is the perfect contrast to the intensity of the black lines.
Here are our line landscapes in black and white with a bright golden sun:
