Contour Drawing

Definition

Contour drawing is a technique in art that involves creating a drawing by outlining the edges and details of a subject without looking at the paper. This method emphasizes the outlines and basic shapes of the subject, allowing artists to capture the essence and structure of what they observe. It's often used to develop hand-eye coordination and to train artists to observe forms more closely.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Contour drawing can be done in two main styles: blind contour drawing, where the artist doesn’t look at the paper, and modified contour drawing, where some glances at the paper are allowed.
2. This technique helps artists improve their observation skills by forcing them to focus on the shapes and relationships within their subject.
3. Contour drawings often lack detailed shading or tonal variations, emphasizing line work and the structure of forms instead.
4. Many art instructors use contour drawing exercises as a warm-up for students to loosen up their drawing skills before moving on to more detailed work.
5. Contour drawings can be both representational and abstract, depending on how the artist interprets the shapes and lines they see.

Review Questions

• How does contour drawing enhance an artist's observational skills?
  • Contour drawing enhances observational skills by requiring artists to focus intently on their subject while simultaneously translating that observation onto paper. By outlining only the edges and important details without looking at their work, artists develop a deeper understanding of proportions, shapes, and spatial relationships. This practice helps refine their ability to see and interpret forms accurately, leading to improved drawing skills overall.
• In what ways do contour drawing techniques differ from other drawing methods, like gesture drawing or hatching?
  • Contour drawing techniques differ from gesture drawing in that contour focuses primarily on outlining forms with little emphasis on motion, while gesture drawing captures the dynamic pose or action of a subject. Unlike hatching, which uses lines for shading and depth, contour drawing is concerned with defining shapes and edges without tonal gradation. Each method serves a unique purpose: contour aids in observation and structure, gesture conveys movement, and hatching adds value.
• Evaluate the significance of contour drawing in the development of artistic style and expression.
  • Contour drawing plays a significant role in developing an artist's style by encouraging personal interpretation of forms through line work. As artists become more adept at observing shapes, they start infusing their unique flair into contour drawings, leading to distinctive styles. This technique fosters creativity as artists explore how line quality and composition can express emotion or abstract ideas, ultimately contributing to their overall artistic expression.

Related terms

Line Quality: The characteristics of a line in a drawing, including its thickness, texture, and variation, which can convey different emotions or details.

Gesture Drawing: A quick drawing that captures the movement and pose of a subject, focusing on the overall form rather than details.

Hatching:

A shading technique using closely spaced parallel lines to create value and depth in a drawing.