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LINE VERSUS TONE Apparent lengths LIGHT AND ILLUSIONS
In linear drawings, t h i c k e r lines a p p e a r t o stand forward. These optical illusions show h o w lines of identical length can be made
w h i l e t h i n n e r lines recede. In a t o n a l d r a w i n g , l i g h t e r surfaces to look quite different from each other by the addition or association of
s t a n d f o r w a r d w h i l e d a r k e r s u r f a c e s recede. T h i s fundamental o t h e r lines. T w o horizontal lines o f equal length are m a d e t o l o o k longer
o p p o s i t e is a reason w h y l i n e a r a n d t o n a l d r a w i n g does not and shorter, respectively, by directed arrows (A). A n upright line stands
a l w a y s c o m b i n e w e l l in t h e s a m e i m a g e . T h e r e is n o obligation in the center o f a horizontal line. Both are identical in length, but the
t o a d d b l o c k s o f t o n e t o a l i n e a r d r a w i n g . O f t e ndoingso upright one looks taller (B). Short horizontal lines of identical length
will spoil y o u r w o r k . If y o u w i s h t o m a k e a tonal drawing, are made t o look different by converging lines beside them (C).
start out with one.
Tonal width
These black and white bands are of equal thickness on
either side of their central division. Observe how each
white band appears thicker than its black counterpart,
In this t o n a l image w e read w h i t e as f a t t e r t h a n black.
Linear distance Bending straight lines
These t w o jugs have been d r a w n w i t h lines o f differing Seven parallel lines are made to tilt toward and away from each other by
numerous short strokes crossing them diagonally (A).Two relatively thick
thicknesses. T h e jug d r a w n with a thin line appears farther parallel lines are made t o b e n d away f r o m each o t h e r as t h e y pass in front
of an array of converging fine lines (B).You may experience something
away t h a n t h e j u g d r a w n w i t h a t h i c k e r line. In this linear similar happening when you make single-point perspective drawings with
drawing w e read t h i c k as closer a n d t h i n as f a r t h e r away. a large number of converging rays behind your horizontals.
