Contour Drawing: Definition and Guide

Introduction:

Contour drawing is one of the fundamental approaches to understanding and capturing the visual world around you into outlines. The ability to translate the observable world around you into an outline will enhance your understanding of form and space, transcending mere representation to capture the essence of the subject. Contour, is one of the seven functions of line, as offered in his definition by a profound American Illustrator, Andrew Loomis. It is not simply an outline, but a way to visually communicate what you see int a three-dimensional world, onto a two dimensional surface.

Defining Contour Drawing:

Contour drawing focuses on rendering a subject entirely through its outlines, capturing its form and shapes without incorporating any shading, texture, or tone. It is a type of discipline, an approach that challenges students, and professional artists alike, to focus on the subject at hand, analyzing its form, volume, and space it occupies. It encourages a deeper engagement with the visual world.

Exercises to Sharpen Your Skills:

There are three exercises one can do to enhance and elevate one’s drawing abilities.

• Blind Contour Drawing: Deepen your observational skills by drawing without looking at the paper, a practice that heightens sensitivity to the subject’s form.
• Modified Contour Drawing: Introduce brief glances at your work to maintain connection with the paper while still focusing on the subject’s outline.
• Continuous Line Drawing: Refine your hand-eye coordination by capturing the subject in a single, unbroken line, a method that fosters a more intuitive drawing process.

Tips for Masterful Contour Drawings:

Enhance your technique with these tips:

• Edge Emphasis: Focus on the edges: Pay close attention to the contours and edges of the subject.
• Draw slowly: Take your time to carefully observe and capture the details of the subject’s form.
• The Unbroken Line: Aim to draw the entire subject without lifting your drawing tool from the paper, maintaining a continuous line.
• Practice regularly: Set aside time for regular drawing sessions to refine your technique.
• Diverse Subjects: Broaden your artistic horizons by applying contour drawing to a variety of subjects, enriching your portfolio with a range of forms and figures.

Crafting Your Contour Drawing:

Begin your contour drawing with these steps:

1. Select a subject to draw.
2. Set up your drawing materials, such as paper and a drawing tool.
3. Take a moment to observe the subject and understand its form and shapes within the form.
4. Start drawing the outlines of the subject, following its contours closely and using a continuous line.
5. Resist the temptation to add detail, allowing the contour to express the subject’s form and character.

Benefits of Contour Drawing:

Contour drawing offers numerous benefits to artists, including:

• Sharpened Observational Skills: Develop an eye for detail and form.
• Enhanced Coordination: Develop a seamless harmony between eye and hand coordination.
• Simplification of Form: Learn to see and capture the essence of complex subjects.
• Increased Focus: Develop a disciple to stay focused on the subject and not rush through the drawing.

Planning Compositions with Contour Drawing:

Contour drawing can serve as a valuable tool for planning compositions in more detailed artworks. By outlining the main shapes and forms, artists can establish the overall structure and balance of the artwork before adding further details.

Examples of Contour Drawings:
Explore other artists drawings either by visiting a museum, a gallery or by finding examples on the Internet. Try to study different types and styles of contour drawing, from simple, minimalist line drawings to more complex and detailed renderings. Each artist and their unique piece is a testament to the artist’s skill and vision.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Contour Drawing’s Variations:

In addition to traditional contour drawing, artists can explore variations and extensions of this technique, such as cross-contour drawing, gesture drawing, and contour hatching, each offering unique approaches to capturing form and texture.

Essential Tools for Contour Drawing:

While the essence of contour drawing lies in its simplicity, the choice of tools—be it pencil, pen, charcoal, or marker—can greatly influence the outcome. Experiment with different mediums to discover the textures and lines that best express your artistic voice.

Conclusion:

By continued and persistent practice, you will achieve desirable results in your drawings. By mastering contour drawing you will also explore opportunities for artistic expression and growth. By incorporating exercises, tips, and techniques into your practice routine, you can develop your skills and unlock your creative potential. What are you waiting for? Grab a pencil, some paper and begin drawing!