DRAWING 101
Contour Drawing
Module 3 - Introduction
Contour drawing is a practice that emphasizes the depiction of the outline or contour of an object, focusing on its edges and defining shapes without lifting the drawing instrument from the surface. Contour drawing is a great technique to hone one's observational skills as the emphasis is not so much on the finished refinement of the drawing, but moreso on the ability to define the contour shape or form of the subject.
Contour Drawing: A drawing that utilizes one continuous line and defines the form or shape of a subject.
Module Goal.
This module will introduce and define the technique of contour drawing. We will explore the various methods to accomplish the art of contour drawing, the purpose of the technique, and the great artists associated with this technique. When you complete this module, you will be able to distinguish between the various contour drawing methods, explain the history of the technique, and be able to apply contour drawing to your own still-life drawing composition.
Module Objectives.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
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Identify the contour technique used in a composition. (CO 1)
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Identify art master, Kimon Nicolaides, the artist to popularize this technique and examine his use of the contour technique. (CO 2)
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Examine the contour technique used by Alexander Calder. (CO 2)
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Demonstrate proper use of the contour technique by applying it to a composition. (CO 3)
Ready to Get Started?
Contour drawing is more than just a technical exercise; it is a way of seeing. By training our eyes to carefully observe the contours of our subject matter, we become attuned to its unique shapes, proportions, and relationships. Through this process, we develop a deeper understanding of form and space, honing our ability to translate three-dimensional reality onto a two-dimensional surface.
So, what is this technique? The idea behind the method is to use a continuous line throughout the piece. Watch this tutorial on the essentials of contour line drawing.