Downloaded 199 times
Uploaded byRachel Hayes
Contour line
This document provides examples and guidance on using contour line drawing techniques. It discusses how contour drawing uses varied line thickness instead of shading to define shape and form. Several masterworks are shown that demonstrate effective use of thick and thin lines to depict shadows, surfaces, and details. The document emphasizes using harder or softer pencils and pressure to vary line darkness. It also stresses the importance of strong composition, such as following the rule of thirds, in contour line drawings.
More Related Content
Contour line
- 1. Blind & PureContour Line Drawing
- 2. Rather than usingvalue and shadow to define shape and form, a contour drawing uses LINES of different thickness to do the same thing.
- 3. Both of thesedrawings use line to define the subject of the drawing. The drawing of the two leaves, however, also uses a variety of line weights to to better describe the way a leaf looks. Often the thickness of your line should change in places where two lines intersect.
- 4. This portrait uses thick and thin as well as darker and lighter lines to better define the face. Lines in this drawing tend to be thicker where there may have been a shadow.
- 5. This Warhol drawing definesthe cast shadow with a contour line as well. He also uses different types of line to define different areas-- look at the difference in the line used to draw the jagged edge of the lid compared to the smooth, accurate line of the can opener.
- 6. In this Warhol drawinghe uses tiny lines to make detail that happens inside the form of his foot. This can be a good way to show a change on the surface.
- 7. Obviously value has beenused in this drawing on the areas the artist found most important. After further inspection, however, the contour drawing used to layout the rest of the drawing is extremely well drawn. Notice how the folds of the fabric appear to have depth.
- 8. In this drawingthe thick and thin lines really help to define the shape of the body. Areas that are darker are achieved by groupings of smaller lines, suggesting texture or a slight shadow.
- 9. Egon Schiele isalso a master of contour drawing. Look at how he has used line to define the crease in the woman’s stomach.
- 10. Even technical drawingsuse line weight to help accurately depict the subject. Notice how thinner, lighter lines tend to be used to define areas where the surface area changes.
- 11. This figure drawingalso uses line weight effectively. Notice how the rules of composition also play into this drawing.
- 12. To achieve variationin your lines you can press harder on your pencil where you would like darker, thicker lines and use less pressure for lighter lines. Pay attention to which pencil you are using. ‘B’ pencils are softer and can have greater variation in the lines they create. ‘H’ pencils are harder and make lighter lines.
- 13. Similarly, this contourdrawing of a still life uses different line weights to define changes in the surface of objects.
- 14. This contour drawing usestwo composition methods: the rule of thirds and treating each corner differently.
- 15. While each objectin this drawing is successfully rendered, this is not a successful composition.
- 16. This still lifealso uses contour successfully and has better composition. Can you see why?
- 17. The drawing withthe chair uses each corner of the composition differently, follows the rule of thirds, and uses diagonal lines to lead the eye around the page.
- 18. This is nota very exciting drawing, but the entire page has been considered and the line weight helps to define foreground and background.
- 19. This student drawinguses contour nicely. Notice the light, thin lines on the Coke bottle. It also makes a common composition mistake: ending an object at the edge of the page.
- 20. Pay particular attentionto the level of detail you can capture with contour, but try to be just as conscious about how you compose the drawing.
- 21. This drawing ismuch more interesting when the edges of the page are considered.
- 22. This is abeautiful student drawing-- it is well composed and contour is used effectively.
- 23. This is alsoa successful student drawing. Darker and lighter lines lead the eye around page.
- 24. This is adetail of the same drawing. Pay attention to the incredible amount of detail achieved through contour!
- 25. As we beginour in- class drawing, be sure to remember to consider your composition and use your contour line weight to define details.
- 26. This drawing haswonderful contour details. The boot has depth and form without any shading. Your goal should be to achieve dimension in your contour
- 27. Remember these drawings asyou work on your homework assignment and strive to make your drawing even better!