Chapter 4

Create Melodic Movement

Misty Sunset

Oil on linen, 11" × 14" (28cm × 36cm)

Each chapter so far has focused on the different virtues and defects of the macro world from an artistic perspective. In this chapter, we will address the concepts of visual lines and how important they are in relation to your paintings.

A scientific study concluded that when subjects listened to music, their brains released endorphins. This is the reason they interpreted the music as pleasurable. This may very well be the case when viewers “read” paintings, so we artists must strive to produce melodic visual movement in our work. This is achieved by creating very interesting visual lines. Think of the lines in a painting as being sort of like the rhythm of a song.

In this chapter you will learn:

• How to handle problematic implied lines in creative ways.
• How to capitalize on desirable implied lines.
• How to move viewers through a painting in a slow and pleasing way.