Basic Lines – volume 2

This is the second volume of the Basic Lines books by Theo Barten. In these books, he combines his love of architecture with the Clear Line technique in a series of 75 drawings titled Architecture with a Twist. The subject is often a well-known building with an ironic twist. Drawn with a meticulous attention to detail, the scenes depict impossible situations that create a surreal effect. Each building is a faithful representation of the real thing, and every car is always a specific make. It’s this combination of realistic subjects that makes the work intriguing.

True to the Clear Line technique, each drawing begins with precise pencil lines. After a series of refinements, the pencil lines are scanned and “inked” digitally. Then, flat color layers are added beneath the lines. The result: a striking graphic aesthetic.

All drawings are presented in the same format and appear on the right-hand page. On the left, they’re accompanied by a descriptive text about the subject in both Dutch and English.

After his time at the academy, Barten worked for several years as a designer for a company and a publishing house. Over time, he took on more illustration projects and became a professional illustrator. Barten became known for his illustrations on cycling topics for the ANWB, all drawn in his favorite Clear Line style. Through an agent in Amsterdam, he received a significant amount of commercial work, much of which went on to win awards, including from ADCN, the Art Directors Club Netherlands.

Barten’s interest in adding informative value led him increasingly toward creating infographics, especially after winning a BNO award. Yet his passion for pure illustration continued to call to him. His love of architecture and the Clear Line technique have now resulted in these books: Basic Lines Volumes 1 and 2.