ART FUNDAMENTALS
INTRO TO CONTOUR DRAWING
Choose three “real” objects in the art room to draw ( ie. Plants, tools, hands,
shoes and each other.) On 9x12 paper draw first a blind contour of one object and
then a modified, (sneak ’a’ peek) of the object on the same paper.
Use the following 10 tips for contour drawing. You may use a pencil first and
outline in sharpie later.
1. Use a well-sharpened pencil or pen. Later a felt-tipped markers can be
used, but in the beginning use a sharp-pointed implement.
2. Keep your eyes on the subject.
3. Imagine that your drawing tool is in actual contact with the subject.
4. Keep eyes and hand coordinated. Do NOT let your eyes move more quickly
than your hand.
5. Draw only where there is an actual structural plane shift, or where there is
a change in value, texture, or color.
6. Draw only existent planes. Do not make meaningless lines.
7. Do not retrace over already states lines. Let lines overlap!
8. Do not erase for correction. Fill the paper.
9. Remember that contour line is a single, incisive line. With expression.
10.Vary the weight of the line to relay information about space and to offer
contrast.