Define Line

As I was reading for help on how to describe Line further, I found a perfect definition in an old textbook that I used in college.  The book is titled Design Basics, fourth edition written by David A. Lauer and Stephen Pentak.
"Of all the elements in art, line is the most familiar to us.....we have been making lines constantly since we were young children.  Most of the cartoons we see daily in our newspapers are simple line drawings.
   Line is capable of infinite variety.  A curious feature of line is its power of suggestion.  What an expressive tool it can be for the artist!  A line is a minimum statement, made quickly with a minimum of effort, but seemingly able to convey all sorts of moods and feelings.....Think of all the adjectives we can apply to lines.  We often describe lines as being nervous, angry, happy, free, quiet, excited, calm, graceful, dancing, and having many other qualities.  The power of suggestion of this basic element is great."

1978 Susan Rothenberg

Untitled

I have used this piece as a good example of line before because look at how simple it is. The lines aren't even connected, yet you know exactly what the artist was showing you. That is called an implied line.  The artist is showing you what they want you to see with just the placement of a few simple lines. 

Sheep Drawing by Henry Moore

I also enjoy this piece by Henry Moore.  It is interesting to look at, and an excellent example of line.  He used line for his shading, another way to say that is that he used line to add value to his piece.  I also like this piece because you can almost feel how soft that sheep is just looking at it.  Just by using line the artist added texture to the piece.  It makes you want to almost reach you hand out to touch it.  

Now, can you see how line can be so interesting? 

 Let's take a look back to that definition I used earlier:

" Line is capable of infinite variety.  A curious feature of line is its power of suggestion.  What an expressive tool it can be for the artist!  A line is a minimum statement, made quickly with a minimum of effort, but seemingly able to convey all sorts of moods and feelings.....Think of all the adjectives we can apply to lines.  We often describe lines as being nervous, angry, happy, free, quiet, excited, calm, graceful, dancing, and having many other qualities.  The power of suggestion of this basic element is great."