Contour Drawings
To practice contours, we experiment with 3 different styles:
1. "Regular" Contour: Drawing the lines of an image in a typical way of sketching. In this, and all styles of contour, you don't see shading and you don't use an eraser.
2. Continuous Contour: A personal favourite. Same as the regular contour with the exception of requiring that pencil or drawing tool stay on the page the whole time. That means no taking it off and lots and lots of lines showing movement and shape of the figure in the drawing. The focus here is on what shapes and movement you see without precision.
3. Blind Contour: Same as continuous contour, but this time: you never take your eyes off what you are drawing. You cannot look at the paper, therefore, your focus is on the shape and movement of what you are drawing. This forces the artist to draw what they see, rather than what is in their mind.
1. "Regular" Contour: Drawing the lines of an image in a typical way of sketching. In this, and all styles of contour, you don't see shading and you don't use an eraser.
2. Continuous Contour: A personal favourite. Same as the regular contour with the exception of requiring that pencil or drawing tool stay on the page the whole time. That means no taking it off and lots and lots of lines showing movement and shape of the figure in the drawing. The focus here is on what shapes and movement you see without precision.
3. Blind Contour: Same as continuous contour, but this time: you never take your eyes off what you are drawing. You cannot look at the paper, therefore, your focus is on the shape and movement of what you are drawing. This forces the artist to draw what they see, rather than what is in their mind.
We try 2 different series of contour drawings:
1. Draw a shoe (yours, or another persons) in all three styles. Include lots of detail, and don't forget: Only lines, no shading!
2. Draw another person's head and shoulders. Just a portrait! Do this in just continuous contour, unless you are feeling adventurous! Try multiple times. At least 2 for the same person! Take turns with your partner, then find a new partner!
You may be surprised at how talented you are!
1. Draw a shoe (yours, or another persons) in all three styles. Include lots of detail, and don't forget: Only lines, no shading!
2. Draw another person's head and shoulders. Just a portrait! Do this in just continuous contour, unless you are feeling adventurous! Try multiple times. At least 2 for the same person! Take turns with your partner, then find a new partner!
You may be surprised at how talented you are!