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A line-mass arrangement also know as a massed line arrangement, may be defines as one in which both the line and the mass are important. It has higher part consisting of lines and another separate, but well-integrated, lower part that forms a mass. If the mass is more important than the line, it might well be called as mass-line instead of a line-mass arrangement.
Line-mass arrangements combine the best qualities of the oriental line arrangements with those of the occidental mass arrangements. They may be considered hybrids and like many hybrids in nature, they have more vigor than either of their parents, line or mass.
A natural line-mass arrangement is one in which the lines derive their beauty from the nat ural characteristic leaves, angles, or peculiarities of the plant materials used. Blossoming pear branches and tulips combine happily in a natural looking but well-designed line-mass arrangement.
A stylized line-mass arrangement is one in which the design is the result of the designers clever organization of precise material, such as sansevieria spikes and tritoma flowers. These arrangements might be classified as modern in feeling. They are clean-cut, precise, chic, youthful, tailored and often streamliened in effect.
The art principles: dominance is the principle that applies first, for the arranger must decide whether the mass or the line should dominate in the line-mass arrangement being planned. The two parts must not be equal in actual weight or visual weight. If the line material has extraordinary interest it should be featured, and the mass subordinated in colour and in bulk. If the mass material has the more interest it should be allowed to dominate. This is easier to achieve because the mass is located at the place where the lines canverge and hold the attention.
Proportion suggests that the line and mass and the container all should have different measurement, none of them should be equally high nor equally wide. A sense of scale discourages the use of oversized flowers for they are not easily integrated into line-mass arrangements. The setting as well as the characteristics of the plant material is considered in deciding what proportions to use.
Balance is usually symmetrical in line-mass arrangements. Very slender line materials have practically no visual or actual weight, however and they cannot usually balance a mass that is off side. Three stems usually allow better balance than two.
Rhythm is the guiding principle of line-mass arrangements. Smooth movement is essential along the line into the mass and over the container.
If curvilinear movement is dominant in the line element it should usually be repeated somewhere in the mass and in the container. However, dominant straight line rhythm in the line element and in the container confines well with a circular movement in the mass.
The art elements:
Colour, texture and pattern deserve careful attention in considering line mass arrangements.
Colour emphasis should usually be at the centre of interest. However when interesting flowers like columbines or birds of paradise are used for the line element the attention is attracted to the top of the arrangement. In that case the mass might well consist of leaves only.
Texture interest often adds distribution to line-mass arrangements. There may be similar textures throughout or a transition or gradual change in various textures, proceeding inward or outward toward a coarser texture.
The pattern made by the silhouette against the background may be the most important factor in obtaining beauty in a line-mass arrangement, the knowing arranger seeks an unusual effect. Enough lines must be used to create interesting voids. The line materials may utilize strong contrast in pattern. Straight and curved spikes must not be allowed to cross one another in an arrangement. The “S’ curve is a favorite pattern for a line-mass arrangement.
Interpretation of line material with the mass material is essential for unity of design, and the main body of the mass should usually taper upward along the lowest part of the leading line. The direction of the leading line should continue into the mass area, where it may turn and flow smoothly to the front of the container, covering part of the rim and extending a welcome to the observer.
Suitable plant materials:
Flowers with unusual forms such as anthuriums, strelitzias (birds-of-paradise), columbines, lilies irises, bleeding hearts and daffodils look well in line-mass arrangements. Where they can be placed high and also can have a mass below made up of the same flowers, large leaves and possibly oranges.
In bottles or tall slender vases, several kinds of tall airy spikes or grasses look well above a mass made of few flowers Such as petunias or small lilies. A pleasing combination consists of white spirea and yellow columbine, with yellow orange roses for the focal mass. Larkspur, stocks, lupine, foxglove, delphinium, snapdragon or foliage or seed spikes like oats may be used for the lines. Dry base branches like the winged gum, desert sage, wax myrtle, Manzanita or oriental magnolia are useful reserves to have on hand as a background for a mass area made of fresh plant materials.
Restraint in the use of both the line and the mass materials is important. An airy effect is usually desirable. For example twelve gaillardias with some foliage are sufficient for the mass effect in an arrangement of medium size.
Advantages of Line-Mass Arrangements
These have a clean, uncultured look that pleases the young home makers of today who usually have some modern furnishings, especially taste equipment. They require a fairly small amount of materials and these may be of different kinds. They look well in the medium size that suits today’s average home.
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