Discover the Art of One Line Drawings and Custom Portraits

The Art of One Line Drawings

One line drawings, also known as continuous line drawings, are a unique art form that involves creating an image using a single unbroken line. This style of drawing requires focus, a steady hand, and plenty of practice to master. However, the minimalist look of these drawings can result in striking contemporary pieces of art.

The History and Origin of One Line Drawings

One line drawings date back to the early 1900s and the surrealist art movement. Artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and André Masson experimented with automatic drawings created in one continuous line as a form of free expression, done without lifting the pen or pencil from the paper.

Over the years, other artists adopted the technique and expanded on it. Scottish artist William Heath Robinson made imaginative pen and ink drawings with just one line in the early 20th century. In the 1950s, artist Saul Steinberg popularized more representational one line drawings featuring landscapes, objects, and architectural forms.

Common Subjects and Styles

Today, one line drawings depict a variety of subjects, including:

• People
• Animals
• Plants
• Cityscapes/landmarks
• Everyday objects

While some artists opt for abstract or surreal interpretations, others aim to represent their subjects realistically using this single line technique.

When it comes to style, one line drawings can range from rough sketches to polished artworks. Thin, thick, smooth, textured, solid, or broken lines all lend unique visual style and energy.

Custom One Line Portraits

In recent years, custom one line portrait drawings have surged in popularity, especially as unique wedding gifts or anniversary presents. Skilled one line artists can elegantly capture a couple's likeness to celebrate their union and special day.

Recreating the human face and form using a continuous line requires great talent and creativity. The best one line portrait artists not only accurately draw their subject's features but also convey emotion and life through their distinctive stroke.

Finding One Line Drawing Artists

If you wish to commission a custom one line portrait, where do you begin? Here are some tips for finding skilled artists who specialize in continuous line drawings:

• Search Instagram hashtags like #onelinedrawing, #onelineart, and #continuouslinedrawings
• Look on Etsy for sellers who offer customized one line portraits
• Browse online galleries and portfolios of contemporary drawing artists
• Ask galleries, art fairs, and artist collectives for recommendations
• Request references and samples of previous one line portraits

When evaluating continuous line artists, pay attention to their line quality, accuracy of proportions, composition, and overall style. Find someone whose work resonates with you visually and who can create meaningful reference images on your behalf.

Commissioning Your One Line Portrait

Once you select an artist for your portrait commission, they will need quality reference photos of you (and your partner for couple portraits). Provide recent high resolution photos with good lighting and a direct perspective.

Decide if you want a precise realistic likeness or a more interpretive abstract portrait. Communicate whether you want headshots or full body figures. Establish the intended size and art materials as well - pen and ink, graphite, or another medium the artist specializes in.

Be clear on your budget and timeline needs for completing the artwork. Understand what is included in the artist's pricing, such as the original piece itself plus any reproductions or usage rights. Most quality custom one line portrait artists charge $200 to $500 or more depending on the level of detail, size, framing, shipping costs, and other factors.

Once you agree on the commission parameters, put down a deposit so the artist can get started. Be communicative throughout the process in case any adjustments need to be made as the piece progresses. Then excitement will build as you anticipate the final awesome reveal!

Displaying One Line Drawings

Thanks to their minimalist nature, one line drawings give you flexibility for stylish display. Here are some ideas:

• Frame using simple frame profiles and neutral matting to keep the focus on the art
• Hang multiple one line drawings in a graphic grid pattern for impact
• Print one line art on stretched canvases
• Install floating wall shelves to exhibit one line drawings
• Backlight one line artworks with LED lighting

With thoughtful presentation, you can easily incorporate one line drawings into both modern and traditional home décors. Their quietly eye catching vibe will draw people over to appreciate these singular pieces built from just one continuous line.

FAQs

What are one line drawings?

One line drawings are a form of art created using a single continuous line without lifting the drawing tool. The artist sketches the entire image—whether abstract or representational—in one unbroken pen, pencil, or brush stroke.

How long does it take to do a one line portrait drawing?

It depends on the artist's skill level and the complexity of the portrait, but quality custom one line portrait drawings usually require 2-4 weeks from start to finish. Simple profile sketches may only take a few hours while detailed, large-scale couple portraits could take 20-40 hours spread over about a month.

What mediums are used for one line drawings?

Common tools and mediums include pens, pencils, markers, ballpoint pens, and digital drawing styluses. Some artists even create one line drawings with brush pens or acrylic paint. Line thickness, texture, and consistency varies depending on the implement used.

Where can I display or hang one line drawings?

One line art can be framed and hung like traditional prints and drawings. They also make great pieces to display in alternative ways—printed on stretched canvases, installed as floating wall shelves, exhibited with creative lighting, or arranged in modern graphic grids.