Vertical lines can be used to create an illusion of depth, which draws the viewer's attention towards certain areas in the composition. They are often found in paintings, illustrations, and photographs that contain images of people or objects that seem closer than others.
If you look at Van Gogh's "Starry Night", you will see that he uses horizontal lines to create movement and flow while vertical lines emphasize the shape and form of the cypress trees in the foreground. This technique creates a feeling of depth that brings the viewer into the scene and makes them feel like they are standing among the stars. Vertical lines can also be used to guide the eye from left to right, creating a sense of order and structure within the image. In "The Scream" by Edvard Munch, the diagonal lines of the bridge draw the viewer up and out of the picture plane, conveying feelings of unease and tension. By contrast, in "American Gothic" by Grant Wood, the strong vertical lines of the house and the woman's dress suggest stability and strength, while the horizontal lines of the fields represent freedom and expansion.
In addition to guiding the viewer's emotional focus, vertical lines can be used to create a mood or atmosphere.
In "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper, the tall buildings evoke a sense of isolation and loneliness as the viewer looks down on the characters sitting together in the diner. The vertical lines of the streetlights, doorway, and window frames all lead the viewer's eyes upward towards the sky, emphasizing the vast emptiness above them. Similarly, in "The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali, the towering forms of melting clocks create an eerie and surrealistic atmosphere that is both disorienting and hypnotic.
Vertical lines can be used to direct the viewer's gaze towards certain areas of interest. In "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci, the vertical lines created by the arms of Jesus and his apostles draw the eye upwards, leading it towards the center of the composition where he is seated. This creates a sense of order and hierarchy that reflects the spiritual meaning of the work. Conversely, in "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt, the vertical lines of the trees and branches frame the lovers, drawing attention to their intimate moment and highlighting their connection with each other.
Vertical lines can also be used to express power and authority. In "Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze, the strong vertical lines of the ships and American flag convey a sense of strength and determination as they cross the river towards victory. By contrast, in "Whistler's Mother" by James McNeill Whistler, the vertical lines of her dress and hair create a feeling of dignity and nobility, while the horizontal lines of the chair create stability and solidity.
Vertical lines are powerful tools for guiding the viewer's emotional focus, creating mood and atmosphere, and emphasizing important elements within an image. Their use allows artists to control how viewers perceive their work and communicate their ideas effectively.
How do vertical lines guide the viewer's emotional focus?
In art and design, horizontal lines tend to suggest calmness, peacefulness, and stability, whereas vertical lines are often associated with strength, power, and energy. Vertical lines can guide the viewer's emotional focus by drawing attention upwards towards important elements of an image or composition.