Contour drawing introduction
Contour drawing is a line drawing of an object that defines a form or an edge (outline)
Tools oF the trade
- Pencils (different softness, conte crayon, charcoal)
- Erasers (kneaded. plastic based, eraser sheild)
Observation techniques
A. Follow the Edge...
Follow the edge is a technique that where to artist observes an object and traces an edge with their eye which dictates where their hand should draw. In this technique hundred of decisions are made "a little to the left", "up on a slight angle" . "further to the left, then down", etc
Additional support for Follow the edge can include outlining edges of an object with a dry erase markers on a piece of plexiglass
Hand in:
1. Object drawing
2. Self portrait
1. Object drawing
2. Self portrait
Blind contour - drawing technique where the actual drawing results are hidden from the artist as they are working
B. Shape it!......
A drawing technique where an object drawing is broken down in simple geometric shapes. The purpose of this technique is to provide overall parameter around drawing an object. Shape it also helps to create more accurate proportions.
Hand in:
1-10 - Traced bird drawings using shape technique (10)
11-20 - Bird drawings using shape technique but not traced (10)
1-10 - Traced bird drawings using shape technique (10)
11-20 - Bird drawings using shape technique but not traced (10)
C. Sighting Sticks
Observational drawing technique/tool where the artist used a marker such as a pencil or thumb held at a consistent distance from the artist eye to mark relative size of objects
Photo for sighting stick:
D. View Finder
A drawing tool used to limit what is seen at one time. Benefit of this is to:
- Simplify viewing field
- Establish stronger compositions
- Provide reference on lines "hitting" the edge and thus improve drawing accuracy
- Simplify viewing field
- Establish stronger compositions
- Provide reference on lines "hitting" the edge and thus improve drawing accuracy
Hand in: Still life drawing using a view finder
E. Grid it...
Grid technique - making a geometric guide on a reference photo that then is repeated onto another piece of paper to use as a guide for drawing
complete pre-made grid drawings
complete larger version of one grid drawing:
A benefit of the grid technique is the ability to scale a drawing up or down.
Scaled - refers to increase or decreasing the size of a drawing compared to the original
Scaled - refers to increase or decreasing the size of a drawing compared to the original
Hand in: Contour drawing portrait using grid method. Make your lines LIGHT, here is an example:
Gesture drawing...
Gesture drawing - is a loose form of sketching that attempts to capture your subject's basic form and expressive movement
15 second poses - Gesture drawing exercise
3 minute poses - gesture drawing exercise
Contour assessment
| contour_drawing_assesssment.docx |