256 Principles of Floral Design
The Line-Mass
Continuum
Another way to classify fl oral designs is
according to the way they use line and mass to
achieve an overall effect. In this classifi cation
system, the major classes of designs are line
(linear), mass, and line-mass. Each of these
classes has distinct characteristics and origins.
However, they form a continuum, or continuous
range of designs. For example, some designs may
be mostly linear, but with a secondary emphasis
on form. These designs fall somewhere between
line and line-mass on the continuum.
Line Designs
Asian styles traditionally focus on the
beauty and reverence of individual fl owers and
leaves. They are typically line designs—they
emphasize lines rather than the plant material
grouping as an entire form. In order to keep the
focus on the elements within the design, fewer
materials are used, and the concept of “less is
more” dominates, Figure 10-7. Line designs
are derived from the traditions of ikebana,
Japanese fl oral design. Ikebana is described
later in this chapter.
Line designs have a large amount of negative
space. They have more space around the
placements than additional fl owers or foliage.
Another aspect of line designs is the origin and
direction of the lines within the pattern. Line
directions can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal,
pendulous, or curvilinear, Figure 10-8. Lines can
be parallel to each other, or perpendicular to form
a T or an inverted T. Keep in mind that corsages,
fl owers to carry, and other designs can be linear.
Mass Designs
Mass designs are on the opposite side of the
continuum. Form and mass are more important
than line in these designs. Their origins can
be traced to the wealthy estates of European
aristocracy. Dutch and Flemish artists portrayed
immense fl oral arrangements of exotic fl owers
in their paintings. Although individual fl owers
Alan49/Shutterstock.com
Figure 10-7. Asian line designs use a few materials in
thoughtfully planned fl ower placement.
Society of American Florists
Figure 10-8. The linear arrangement uses a strong vertical line
with all materials leading the eye toward the center of the design.
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