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Artworks that Show Line

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself needing to teach a lesson on one of the elements and principles of art, but it takes a bit of digging to find good examples of art that teach that particular element. To help those in that situation, I have created an elements and principles series that includes lists of example artworks you can use in your elements and principles of art lessons.

Finding the right artwork to teach the elements of art can take time. That’s why I created this Elements & Principles series—to help you skip the endless search and get straight to powerful, conversation-starting artworks.

Below, you’ll find artworks that clearly demonstrate the many types of line—perfect for your next lesson or student project.

👉 Want a printable to go with it? Grab the free Elements & Principles Pack below. Click the yellow “Download” button.

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Download

Inside: A curated list of artworks that show the different types of line in art—including implied lines, gesture lines, contour lines, expressive lines, and more. 

👉 This post is part of the Elements of Art series—explore them all to build a complete foundation for your classroom.

Download the Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack

This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.

Examples of Types of Line in Art

The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Types of Line in Art - General

Artworks that Show Line, General

The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Horizontal and Vertical Lines in Art

Horizontal and Vertical Lines in Art

The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Diagonal Lines in Art

Diagonal Lines in Artworks

The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Contour Lines and Outlines

Contour Lines and/or Outlines

Gesture Lines, Lines that Show Movement

Want to explore how line leads the eye and creates movement in art? Check out these rhythm in art examples to see visual flow in action.

Lines that Help Guide The Viewer’s Eye through the Picture and/or Implied Lines

Lines that Show Feeling/Emotion, Expressive Lines

The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Repetition and Pattern

Repetition of Line, Pattern Using Line, Decorative Line

The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Lines in Architecture

Lines in Architecture

Lines in Sculpture

Lines that Show Texture and/or Shading

Lines that Show Space and/or Linear Perspective

Lines the Show Emphasis

💡 Want more done-for-you lessons like this?

The Curated Connections Library gives you full access to hundreds of art appreciation resources, trainings, and classroom-ready materials.
👉 Click here to learn more.

Elements and Principles Teaching Bundle

This extraordinary bundle includes the best resources for teaching each of the elements and principles—37 worksheets/handouts, 15 lessons (with accompanying PowerPoints and Handouts), 3 ready-to-go art analysis activities, 3 art analysis videos, and 13 elements and principle PDF articles.

Buy Now


There you have it! The best types of line in art examples for your elements and principles of art lessons. Want more elements and principles of art teacher resources? Check out the below posts.

The Art Curator for Kids -Example Artworks that Show Space - The Elements and Principles of Art Series-300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Line - The Elements and Principles of Art - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Emphasis - The Elements and Principles of Art SeriesElements and Principles of Art - Artworks that Show Proportion in art and ScaleThe Art Curator for Kids - Elements and Principles of Art Series - Artworks that Show Shape - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Why I Hate the Elements and Principles But Teach Them Anyway - 300The Art Curator for Kids - How Artists Depict Space - Masterpiece Monday - John Sloan , South Beach Bathers, 1907-1908, Art Lessons for Kids - Elements of Art Lessons

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Rhythm in Art: The Ultimate List of Rhythm in Art Examples

Rhythm in art is more than repetition—it’s the visual beat that moves your eyes across a composition, guiding attention and building energy.

For students, it’s one of the easiest elements to feel and one of the hardest to define. That’s what makes it such a powerful teaching moment.

Below, you’ll find a curated selection of rhythm-in-art examples that will help you and your students identify, understand, and feel the pulse of rhythm in visual form.

👉 Want a printable to use in your classroom? Grab the free Elements & Principles Pack below. Click the yellow “Download” button.

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Download

Inside: The ultimate collection of rhythm in art examples, including everything from regular to random, plus a rhythm in art definition. A continuation of our Elements and Principles of Art series.

This post is part of the Elements of Art series—explore them all to build a strong foundation for your classroom. Want more ways to get students engaging with artworks? Check out these printable art worksheets designed for deeper connection and interpretation.

Below, you’ll find a growing collection of rhythm-in-art examples. These are perfect for introducing rhythm in your elements and principles lessons.
(Tip: Bookmark this post—I update it as I discover new examples!)

Download the Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack


This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.

Rhythm Art Definition

Rhythm is a principle of design that suggests movement or action. Rhythm is usually achieved through repetition of lines, shapes, colors, and more. It creates a visual tempo in artworks and provides a path for the viewer’s eye to follow.

Principles of Design Examples Rhythm in Art

Rhythm in Art Examples

rhythm in art examples

Alternating Rhythm

Alternating rhythm describes an artwork that contains a repetition of two or more components that are used interchangeably. Some alternating rhythm examples include alternating light and dark colors or placing various shapes and/or colors in a repeating pattern.

alternating rhythm in art examples

Random Rhythm

Random rhythm describes an artwork that contains repeating elements without a specified order or arrangement. Some random rhythm examples include splatters of paint or shells on a beach.

random rhythm in art examples

Flowing Rhythm

Flowing rhythm describes an artwork that contains curved or circular elements that give the art movement. Some flowing rhythm examples include flowers, clouds, or waves.

flowing rhythm in art examples

Regular Rhythm

Regular rhythm describes an artwork that contains repeating elements with a specified order or arrangement that can be measured. Some regular rhythm examples include evenly spaced windows or tiles.

regular rhythm in art examples

Progressive Rhythm

Progressive rhythm describes an artwork that contains repeating elements in a pattern that change either in size or color as they repeat. Some progressive rhythm examples include building blocks arranged from smallest to largest and spirals.

progressive rhythm in art examples

In this fun rhythm in art examples video, the differences between pattern, repetition, and rhythm are described and put to music:

Rhythm in Art Resources

Remember I will add to this, so don’t forget to pin this post!

Do you have a great example to teach rhythm in art? Share it with me in the comments, and I will add it to the list!

Elements and Principles Teaching Bundle

This extraordinary bundle includes the best resources for teaching each of the elements and principles—37 worksheets/handouts, 15 lessons (with accompanying PowerPoints and Handouts), 3 ready-to-go art analysis activities, 3 art analysis videos, and 13 elements and principle PDF articles.

Buy Now

💡 Want more ready-to-use art appreciation lessons?

The Curated Connections Library includes resources like this—plus hundreds more lessons, activities, and trainings for art teachers.
👉 Click here to learn more.

There you have it! The best rhythm in art examples for your elements and principles of art lessons. Want more elements and principles of art teacher resources? Check out the below posts.



The Art Curator for Kids -Example Artworks that Show Space - The Elements and Principles of Art Series-300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Line - The Elements and Principles of Art - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Emphasis - The Elements and Principles of Art SeriesElements and Principles of Art - Artworks that Show Proportion in art and ScaleThe Art Curator for Kids - Elements and Principles of Art Series - Artworks that Show Shape - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Why I Hate the Elements and Principles But Teach Them Anyway - 300The Art Curator for Kids - How Artists Depict Space - Masterpiece Monday - John Sloan , South Beach Bathers, 1907-1908, Art Lessons for Kids - Elements of Art Lessons

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Best Artist Books and Movies for Kids and Adults

Although I don’t think it is necessary to study the lives of individual artist to enjoy and connect with their artwork, hearing stories about artists can make their art come alive in new and exciting ways.

Several months ago, I received a message from a reader. This is what she said.

My number one struggle in teaching art to my kids is making artists come alive. I really want them to grasp art from cave drawings to modern art. To help them understand that there is a person behind each piece that has lived through struggles and joys. I want them to understand that art is an expression of the soul creating it.

~Tee from Wisteria and Worms

I love her statement here, because art is about people and connecting with people. When you are moved by a work of art, you are moved because of the person behind that artwork and what they were thinking and feeling. I believe art becomes more powerful when you recognize that truth.

I will never forget reading The Agony and the Ecstasy about Michelangelo. I read it before I studied abroad in Italy in college. After reading that book, I felt like I intimately knew both Michelangelo and where he lived, Florence, Italy. Going to Florence after reading that book was a magical experience for me.

Here are my favorite biographical novels, movies, and children’s books for both kids AND adults!

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Books about Artists for Kids

The Art Curator for Kids - Children's Books about the Lives of the Artists - Artist Books for Kids

Laurence Anholt’s Books about Artists For Children

This is a great series of books where artists and children meet.

Movies and Books about Artists for Adults

The Art Curator for Kids - Artist Biographies for Adults, Books and Movies - Michelangelo, van Gogh, Vasari, Artemisia Gentileschi, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock

Books about Artists

Other Books about Artists

Tracy Chevalier and Susan Vreeland write good books surrounding artists but the historical accuracy isn’t as good, so I didn’t put them in the above list. I also really want to read The Private Lives of the Impressionists, but since I haven’t read it, I didn’t put in on the list. 🙂

Movies

 

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Civil Rights Art

Today, I’m going to share with you some important Civil Rights art. Art is such a vital tool to understanding the emotions, beliefs, and ideas of people throughout history. Art gives us insights into people like no other can. Please, use these artworks to supplement your social studies lessons about this time period and also use the list of civil rights art as an avenue to discuss the influences behind current events.

Art of the Civil Rights Art Movement - Use Art to Teach History - the Art Curator for Kids
Big Idea: Art helps us understand the emotions, beliefs, and ideas of people in a particular place during a particular time.

To help discuss artwork with your kids, read this post for tips.

Remember to have the students look, discuss, write, and think about the artwork before giving them any information about the artwork. Use the questions below or one of my free art appreciation worksheets as a starting place. I also have a 20-pack of worksheets available for in the Art Class Curator Store if you want more options.

Art Appreciation Worksheet Bundle

This art worksheets bundle from the Art Class Curator includes 25 ready-to-use art worksheets for use with individual works of art. The worksheets for art in this document are designed to work with lots of different types of artworks, so you can just pick an artwork, print a worksheet, and start the activity. Each has instructions at the top and plenty of space to do the activity.

Buy Now

Recommended Age: 5th grade and up

Andy Warhol, Race Riot, 1964

Civil Rights art - Andy Warhol, Race Riot, 1964
Andy Warhol, Race Riot, 1964 – Click Image to View Larger

Pop artist, Andy Warhol, wasn’t particularly known for his serious artworks. However in this work, he employed his usual strategies of repetition and color that he used he did in his iconic works of Campbell’s Soup Cans and portraits of Marilyn Monroe to create and emotional and political impact. The photograph repeated in Warhol’s artwork is of police officers in Birmingham sicking attack dogs on a retreating black man.

Although some might argue that the repetition of the image desensitizes us, I think the repetition forces the viewer to keep looking and keep thinking about the subject. The addition of the colors, especially taking into consideration the symbolism of red, white, and blue, enhances the emotion of this civil rights art and adds powerful commentary to the photos.

Questions to ask: What is happening in this picture? Why did the artist repeat this same image four times? What emotional effect does the repetition have? Does the repetition make you feel more angry about the actions in the photograph or does it desensitize you to the events? What does the black and white quality of the photograph remind you of? What was the artist saying by printing it in this way? Why did the artist choose these colors? What do these colors signify? What do you think the artist wanted to tell us by making this artwork? What did the artist want us to feel?

David Hammons, The Door (Admissions Office), 1969

Civil Rights art, David Hammons, The Door (Admissions Office), 1969
David Hammons, The Door (Admissions Office), 1969, Click Image to View Larger

This artwork packs such a punch that I don’t really think it needs many words from me. Hammons made a print of his body on the admissions door highlighting the struggles African Americans had in pursuit of an education. The figure looks desperate to get in, but the door is locked.

Questions to ask: What’s happening in this artwork? Describe position, emotions, situation, and motives of the figure in the glass. How would you feel if you wanted to get an education, but you weren’t allowed to because of how you look?

This would be an excellent artwork for a poetry activity. Have students take the role of the figure in the painting and try to think from his or her perspective.

Jae Jarrell, Urban Wall Suit, circa 1969

Civil Rights art, Jae Jarrell, Urban Wall Suit, circa 1969
Jae Jarrell, Urban Wall Suit, circa 1969, Click Image to View Larger

Not all art at this time was about the brutality and the darkness, many black artists embraced positivity and connectedness in their work. This artwork by fashion designer, Jae Jarrell, captures the spirit of excitement that came from the rallies, speeches, and marches that proud people together.

I want you to read what Jae Jarrell wrote about this time here at the Brooklyn Museum website. She writes about her experiences in COBRA, the Coalition of Black Revolutionary Artists. It’s powerfully written and her pride for the work they did together shines through her words and her art. The short article also tells about this artwork, so head over there to learn more!

Questions to ask: What is your first reaction to this artwork? What does it remind you of? What is the mood of this artwork (what feeling does it project)? What are the images of? What does the grid represent? Is this art? Why or why not? What clothing do you wear that makes you proud of who you are?

Speeches, marches, rallies, and demonstrations filled the airwaves, newscasts, and Black artists’ consciousness nationwide. It was a call to all the aesthetically endowed to show up! Bring it: outspoken word, music with infectious cadence, images that look like me and mine, fond titles of ‘Sister’ and ‘Brother,’ and the Black community was utopia. — Jae Jarrell, June 2013

Sam Gilliam, Red April, 1970

Civil Rights Movement art, Sam Gilliam, Red April, 1970
Sam Gilliam, Red April, 1970, Click Image to See Larger

Usually, art that looks like this has no other sort of alternative meaning or reference. Artists are careful to give titles like “Untitled” or “Composition #34” or whatever. In this case though, Sam Gilliam took this Abstract Expressionist style and infused it with meaning and emotion. He called his painting Red April which refers to the April 1968 assassination and subsequent rioting in Washington, D.C., where the artist lived. I had chosen a more illustrative example for this slot, but I liked the idea of choosing something without a clear meaning, so students can think about how to express emotions and stories without showing any specific imagery.

Questions to ask: What’s going on in this painting? What emotions do you feel when looking at this? How do you think the artist felt when he made this? What are ways you can express emotion without using pictures or words?

Moneta Sleet Jr., Rosa Parks, Dr. and Mrs. Abernathy, Dr. Ralph Bunche, and Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr. leading marchers into Montgomery, 1965

Civil Rights Movement art, Moneta Sleet Jr., Rosa Parks, Dr. and Mrs. Abernathy, Dr. Ralph Bunche, and Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr. leading marchers into Montgomery, 1965
Moneta Sleet Jr., Rosa Parks, Dr. and Mrs. Abernathy, Dr. Ralph Bunche, and Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr. leading marchers into Montgomery, 1965, Click Image to See Larger

What a powerful photograph! Make sure you click it so you can see it bigger to really get the full effect. It includes many of the most important leaders of the Civil Rights Movement including Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and others. But it also includes thousands of ordinary citizens fighting for African American citizens’ right to vote. They marched from Selma, Alabama to the state capitol, Montgomery. Just over four months later, the 1965 Voting Rights Act was signed into law.

This photograph captures the solidarity, the power, the emotion, and the spirit of the time. The photographer photographed Martin Luther King, Jr. several times and won the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for his photo of Dr. King’s widow at his funeral.

Questions to ask: What’s going on in this photograph? Describe the expressions and actions of the people. What does that teach you about them? How does this photograph make you feel?

The Smithsonian’s website, History Explorer, has a great PDF resource for learning about historical photographs. Visit this link and then scroll down and click “Engaging Students with Primary Sources.” There is a chapter on photography.

Civil Rights Art Resources

Free Resources on the Web:

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Martin Luther King Day for Kids

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A Year of Art Appreciation for Kids: 52 Artworks your Child Should Know

I have compiled for you a massive list of artworks for you to look at with your kids this year. I picked one artwork for each week of the year, and I tried to pick the best of the best. If you haven’t been showing art to your kids, this is a great list to start with! Just sit down and talk about a new artwork each week for a few minutes.

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Talk about Art with Your Kids

Here are some posts from Art Class Curator for tips at looking at art with your kids.

Art Appreciation for Kids

Instead of dividing by week, I divided by time period. Regrettably, this list does not include non-western art or contemporary art. For more awesome non-western art, check out my Art Around the World series. Each entry below includes a link to find the picture.

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - Ancient to Classical Art

Ancient to Classical Art

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - Medieval to Renaissance Art

Medieval and Renaissance Art



the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - 17th-18th Century Art

17th-18th Century Art

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - 19th Century Art

19th-Century Art

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - Modern Art

Modern and Contemporary Art

the Art Curator for Kids - Art Appreciation for Kids - American

American Art

Whew! This is quite a list. It was hard to choose, and I know I left out some great artworks. Keep reading on Art Class Curator to learn more about teaching art to kids.

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