#art, The «Black Line» in Paintings…

A drawing is mostly…and usually…composed of black lines on a white, or other coloured background. At least mine are…

The black line is also quite useful in painting. There is a certain power that it brings to paintings suited to its participation in the style and the composition. Of course if you are painting something hyperreal then the black line can only appear if it is actually a part of your subject matter. But if you are an expressionist painter, as I am, the black line can be a source of inspiration that can accelerate the improvisational aspect, which must always be there, in your composition.

Here are some of my earliest paintings which feature the power of the black line…

A painting requires a process which usually starts with sketches and studies. The reason is that the artist wants to tell a story, express a philosophical point and as well entertain the eyes. And one must never forget the decorative aspect of all paintings. After all that was the original reason for the art form to exist. Elements such as colour, design, size, style and composition constitute the mechanics. The technique is the driving force that will place these elements, together with the artist’s idea, upon the canvas or whatever support is used. Talent…which is developed…is the glue that seals the painting and converts it into a work of art (or not).

But the black line, whether it is there, staring at you as you are staring at it, is present and accounted for. If you do not think so, think about it next time you take a look…particularly if you are standing right in front of it…at a painting. You will see it.

CHEERS