Straight Line, Broken Line

For many years, I thought that a perfectly straight line was necessary to produce an accurate edge.  But straight, uninterrupted lines are boring.  Broken lines or lines that pop up from their "straightness" are much more interesting. 

To achieve a straight line, I always chose a flat brush.  Now I find that using a round brush allows me to vary the edge because it is harder to hold the straight line if you are using the tip of a round brush. 

The broken line or edge provides a staccato rhythm that contrasts with the smooth unbroken passage of a straight line.  Contrast is needed.  If most lines are straight, adding a broken line or edge will provide relief.  If there is too much nervous energy from employing mostly broken lines, throw in a couple of very straight edges. 

Looking at this painting of the clock tower on Historic Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island, you will see not-so-straight edges in many places.  I wanted to avoid having the painting look like an illustration.  The negative space behind the bottom of the tower and the railing was the place to leave some bumpy edges. 

I think there is more movement in this painting because of the number of broken lines.