Final answer:
In art, a line is a fundamental element that can define shapes, suggest movement, and create texture. Texture refers to the perceived surface quality in artwork, which can be literal or visual. Lines are versatile tools in an artist's kit that contribute to various aspects of design and the representation of three-dimensional space in two-dimensional art.
Step-by-step explanation:
A line in art is a fundamental element defined as a point moving through space, and it can be considered a dot or series of dots connected together. Artists use lines to define shapes, convey movement, and create texture. Different types of lines include outlines, which define the edges of shapes; static or dynamic lines, which can indicate motion or stillness; and lines that vary in qualities such as being hard-edged or organic, impacting the feeling the line conveys. For example, an abstract drawing of someone walking down stairs may use lines in such a way to show movement, guiding the viewer's eyes in the direction of the steps.
Texture in art refers to the perceived surface quality or feel of an object depicted. By using techniques like varying the thickness and direction of lines or layering brush strokes, an artist can suggest a physical quality, such as roughness or smoothness, in two-dimensional artwork. An artist might also use pattern to enhance the texture visually. In the context of a painting, texture can be literal, with paint layered thickly enough to be tactile, or it can be visual, created by the use of line and color to give the illusion of a textured surface.
To discuss art, it is essential to use terms such as shape, mass, and ground, which assist in analyzing the relations between objects in a composition. When considering the principles of design such as balance, emphasis, and rhythm, lines are integral for creating unity and variety in the artwork. Moreover, artists often employ lines to represent three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional plane, enhancing the illusion of depth and volume.