The Simplicity of Line

by Jamie Shelman, buy the print here


photo found a la mavieenrose3
Hugo Guinness

Ellsworth Kelly Lithographs, buy the book on Amazon


'Oak Leaf' by Jamie Shelman


Matisse cover illustration for Baudelaire


Matisse Line Drawings and Prints, buy the book on Amazon


Matisse


I absolutely love simple line drawings. The elegance and simplicity created using just shape and form is divine. The ability to eliminate everything but the absolute essence of a shape or figure and the ability to translate this feeling or movement with such simplicity is the mark of true genius (and is something I constantly strive to achieve in my own work!) I've gathered some images of my art as well as from artists I love and admire who all use line brilliantly. The Ellsworth Kelly book, Drawn From Nature: The Plant Lithographs of Ellsworth Kelly is a must have! I especially love Matisse's line portraits (as well as his oak leaf collages). And of course the simplicity of Hugo Guinness's plant silhouettes which have stemmed from a long line of artists using nature as a reference and inspiration. I especially love his salon style arrangement of artwork, this is how I envision my little cats being hung together! The elegance and beauty of the simple brought together to create something truly remarkable!