

By Rosalind: East Asia Correspondent
The sketch is simply a collection of rough lines. However, upon closer examination, one may notice something quite remarkable.”That’s an interesting sketchbook,” my friend commented as she examined my work.
Exploring the art of drawing connections, where the focus lies on the elegance of structure. The balance of elements creates a visually pleasing pattern.
A professional artist’s journey typically begins at a young age. The first class usually takes the shape of a drawing for a still life. It can vary in size, from a pot of palm trees to a small shrub of jasmine. It is essential for students to carefully observe the object before starting their sketch. There is a belief that every object is connected to a unique pattern that requires a keen observer. At this stage, the training focuses on creating a realistic representation of the world. The sole factor considered in determining the quality of a sketch was its resemblance to the original. For many artists, sketching is equivalent to creating a parody of reality.

However, this is a misinterpretation of the sketch that neglects the intrinsic value of the image-making process. Sketching essentially focuses on exploring the intricacies of lines rather than attempting to replicate reality.

The energy of lines
A drawing is made up of a variety of lines, each with its own unique characteristics. These lines can be curly, wavy, zigzag, straight, or even spiral in nature. In the tradition of Western art, color and shading take precedence over line work when depicting an object.
The significance of lines has always been marginal and secondary. Even during the Renaissance, a time of great advancements in painting techniques, the focus was primarily on shade and pigmentation, often leaving lines overlooked.
Albrecht Dürer, a painter and printmaker widely considered as the best of the German Renaissance, used lines to create shading in his paintings that made printing easier later on.
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According to Kandinsky, the use of curved lines evokes a sense of emotion and organic nature, often conveying warmth and sensuality.
The Observer must learn to look at the picture as a graphic representation of a mood and not as a representation of objects
Although lines have been overlooked for a long time, their influence remains strong. As the 20th century unfolded, artists of the era began to delve into the possibilities of lines, resulting in a flourishing appreciation for their artistic potential. In his book Concerning the Spiritual in Art, published in 1911, Kandinsky placed great importance on the structural aesthetic of a painting.
He believed that lines played a crucial role in creating rhythms and harmony within the artwork. He drew connections between painting and music, delving into the emotional effects of different types of lines. Lines contribute to the sentiment of a symphony as a whole, resembling keys and notes in perfect harmony. Kandinsky classified lines according to their capacity for expression. As an illustration:
Horizontal Lines: They were often linked to a sense of calm, serenity, and equilibrium.
Kandinsky interpreted vertical lines as a symbol of a transcendent, spiritual energy that ascends. They exuded a strong sense of ambition and grandeur.
Diagonal Lines: They exuded a sense of energy and emotion, evoking a feeling of motion, unease, and unpredictability.
Curved Lines: According to Kandinsky, the use of curved lines evokes a sense of emotion and organic nature, often conveying warmth and sensuality.
He also highlighted the significance of the inner drive behind artistic elements, emphasizing the deliberate selection of lines based on the artist's spiritual impulses. Lines found their voice through the emergence of modern art.
Lines that bear patterns of the universe
While lines were personified under the brush of western artists, the stroke of appearing on a rice paper is not meant to evoke sentimental qualities. Chinese traditional painting offers a unique perspective on lines.



In Chinese traditional painting, sketching is a technique known as baimiao (white drawing), where subjects are depicted using precise and delicate lines. Artists use different techniques to create lines, varying the pressure of the brush to achieve different effects.
By applying more pressure, they can create thicker lines with a sense of weight. Conversely, by delicately touching the paper with the brush, they can produce fine and clear lines with a sense of lightness. The variation of the line gives the contours a sense of rhythm and liveliness, making the picture delicate and beautiful. The technique showcases the talents of Li Tao. Tao signifies the way, while Li denotes strength.
An adept artist understands the delicate art of wielding a brush, carefully applying just the right amount of force to create precise lines that contribute to the overall harmony of the artwork.
The Li should adopt a balanced approach. Finding the right balance is crucial for a smooth and effective presentation. Too much strength can overpower and disrupt the harmony, while too little can lead to a lack of impact and hinder the flow.
In order to discover the correct path, the painter must seek the guidance of the Tao (the way), as the term implies. An artwork depicts the vastness of the universe. Chinese artists view a stroke as a reflection of the Tao, rather than an isolated element. Taoism embraces the concept of tian ren he yi (oneness of heaven and humanity).
The creation of lines, therefore, as it embodies the essence of artistic expression, is in perfect harmony with the artist's rhythmic breath.
The ebb and flow of breath mirrors the encompassing energy of the universe. The energy moves seamlessly from one end to another.
One thing effortlessly gives way to another. There is a delicate balance where nothing stands out as dominant, as everything intertwines to maintain the cohesion. The heart of the enclosure embodies a sense of balance and harmony, known as the Zhongyong or the midway. The process of creating a delicate balance is to discover the point where opposing forces converge. This is what we refer to as the yin-yang balance (the delicate balance of opposites). When creating a delicate line, it's crucial for the artist to be mindful of the amount of pressure applied to the rice paper.
A single line is an equilibrium of weight and lightness; the weight balances the line's lightness, which is matched by the line's lightness.

Rosalind
As a practitioner in the realm of art over the years, I have wandered through the palaces of both Western and Eastern artistic traditions. These diverse art pieces serve as wellsprings for my writing, harmonizing with the profound thoughts of great thinkers from around the world throughout history. I am convinced that unlocking the mystery of art involves delving deep into the human psyche, turning the pursuit of art into a pilgrimage to one's inner self...