What is One Line Art?

One Line Art is a globally popular art trend. What exactly is One Line Art or One Line Drawing? It is the art of creating complex shapes on paper with just one uninterrupted, flowing line. This trend is very minimalistic and all you need is a single pencil and white paper. Motifs such as plants and faces are at the centre of this art.

Whether wall murals, cushions, notebooks or diaries. One Line Art looks simply beautiful and is versatile.

Pablo Picasso and the One Line Art

Pablo Picasso, the Spanish painter, graphic artist and sculptor, is considered the founder of One-Line Art. Together with fellow artist Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso created black and white works of art characterised by simplified, curved lines and contours.  That was in 1950! One of the most famous works is probably the Dove of Peace, which was also created with just one solid line. It impressively shows that just one line is enough to break everything down to the essentials. The art is simple, clear and aesthetic.

One Line Art - How does it work?

Okay! Are you just as hyped as we are and want to finally get started? The most important rule first: Don't try to put it down!

Start with a smaller motif and repeat it a few times. Try out the stroke width and, if possible, do not stop. You will notice that after a few repetitions it will become more and more fluid, and you can try your hand at larger motifs step by step in the same way. Incidentally, art also improves your hand-eye coordination very well. You can also make your drawing stand out even more with a colour upgrade.

The first step is to watercolour the background in abstract shapes or splashes of colour. Just as you like and then start with your line. This creates a wonderful interplay of bright colours and minimalist lines.

One Line Art Template

Do you need inspiration for your first One Line Art artwork? Then take a look at our free One Line Art templates page.

Discover the templates now

One line art portrait with leaf decoration - minimalist and elegant. 2/2

What do you need for One Line Art?

One Line Art is a very minimalist art, as you only need a pencil with which you can draw a solid line without any problems. The pen is therefore the most decisive factor for your One Line artwork. We can recommend our Fudenosuke Brush Pen and our MONO drawing pen. If you want to embellish your artwork with watercolour backgrounds, we recommend our ABT Dual Brush Pen.

Tombow One Line Set - One line, infinite possibilities

Together with the artist @Silberstolz, we will show you step by step how to create your first One Line artwork and what to look out for. In the set you will find the perfect pens to put your One Line drawings on paper and create watercolour backgrounds with our ABT Dual Brush Pens.

The Tombow One Line Art Set contains pens and instructions for creative line drawings.
A Tombow One Line Art Set with various drawing pens, a blending palette and templates for creative illustrations.
Postcards created with the Tombow One Line Art Set feature elegant line drawings complemented by watercolour effects.

Products

Filter

Sorting

SELECTED FILTERS

Illustrate
ZOOM 707 mechanical pencil

Pencils

ZOOM 707 mechanical pencil

Mechanical pencil a with filigree design and typical Japanese impression. The multiple award-winning writing instrument is a timeless classic from the Tombow collection.

Available in various colours

from

€34.00

To the product
ZOOM C1 Mechanical pencil

Design Writing Instruments (ZOOM)

ZOOM C1 Mechanical pencil

The Mechanical Pencil of the Future - Robustness and Weightless Design in the ZOOM C1 Mechanical Pencil

Available in various colours

from

€74.90

To the product
ZOOM L2 Mechanical pencil

Design Writing Instruments (ZOOM)

ZOOM L2 Mechanical pencil

The perfect companion for stylish writing and creative drawing.

Available in various colours

from

€49.90

To the product