As, requested Jo Pomeroy-Crockett’s lecture notes from A FINE LINE opening reception @Fairweather’s.

Artist’s lecture notes for A FINE LINE opening reception from Jo Pomeroy-Crockett.

A line is the connection of points. It has direction but no absolute thickness. Line is one of the elements that artists use to create compositions. Other elements include shape, color, value, form, texture, and space.

As an artist, I have mixed feelings about line. As children, we were taught to stay within the lines and on the line. Some people deny their art ability by saying, “I can’t draw a straight line.” In drawing, too many lines may say everything for the viewer and not let the viewer’s eye finish the object.

Lines around an object or outlining produce cartoon-like figures. Thus, line should be used with restraint.

However, as G.K. Chesterton said, “Art, like morality, consists in drawing the line somewhere.”

In everyday speech, line has various connotations. We may “draw the line” at something, or appreciate the “fine line” between things. Someone may try to “give us line” about something, we may ask a friend to “send us a line” or we may “get a line” on something we want.

When drawing, I use line, but frequently, I shade the area around the line where the line would be, rather than using a line to show an object. When painting, I avoid the use of obvious line by drawing with a brush dipped in a very diluted cobalt blue, which disappears under other watercolors.

I do use line in my compositions to direct a viewer’s eye, to help establish shape and space, and add a bit of a statement. Whether or not I use line, art is a joy for me.

I think Picasso said this best: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” —Jo Pomeroy-Crockett.

As part of her lifelong passion for art, Jo Pomeroy-Crockett, Ph.D., paints in watercolor, water media including acrylics and inks, pastel and collage including assemblage. In addition to her work as a free-lance writer and educator, her painting allows her to continue developing her creativity and technical skills.

“Fall Beginnings” original watercolor by Jo Pomeroy-Crockett.

Pomeroy-Crockett was a juried member of the Arizona Artists Guild and is currently a juried member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon. She has exhibited in numerous juried art competitions. She exhibits art at Fairweather House and Gallery in Seaside. Her work is in private collections in various parts of the U.S., England, Canada, and Switzerland.

http://www.fairweatherhouseandgallery.com/ artist tab Jo Pomeroy-Crockett

“A FINE LINE” on view through October 31 at Fairweather House and Gallery.