Compositional Elements, Continued
Line movement
EMOTIVE LINES: Emotive lines are lines in the picture area that suggest
(Continued)
emotions or attitudes. Vertical, diagonal, horizontal, and curved lines create
different moods. Vertical lines suggest strength, rigidity, and power.
Horizontal lines are associated with peace, tranquility, and quietness, while
diagonal lines represent movement, action, and speed. Closely associated
with figures and objects in the picture area, emotive lines provoke an overall
mood to images. Do not confuse the purpose of directional and emotive
lines.
Use vertical picture area formats for images containing predominantly
vertical lines. Horizontal formats are best used for images containing
predominantly horizontal lines.
Figure 1-8 shows the use of emotive lines.
Figure 1-8.—Emotive lines.
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