Beginner's Guide to Contour and Blind Contour Drawing

This tutorial delves into contour drawing and blind contour drawing – two techniques that cultivate observation skills and lay the groundwork for advanced artwork. Drawing, a medium that captures the world’s beauty and intricacies, beckons those seeking to elevate their skills. For beginners, mastery of the fundamentals is paramount.

Understanding Contour and Blind Contour Drawing

Contour drawing is a method where object edges are outlined to craft a two-dimensional form. It emphasizes structure over details, fostering keen observation and capturing essential defining lines.

Essential Tips for Drawing and Observation

Before delving into contour and blind contour exercises, consider these tips:

1. Begin with Simplicity: Start with uncomplicated objects like fruits or stationary to solidify the basics.
2. Delicate Lines: Employ light lines in contour drawing for easy adjustments as you refine outlines.
3. Negative Space Focus: Attend to negative space to depict accurate proportions and interrelations.
4. Meticulous Observation: Study objects before sketching, discerning angles, curves, and connections.

Advantages of Contour Drawing

Simple as it may seem, contour drawing provides valuable benefits:

1. Enhanced Observation: By scrutinizing details and relationships, you train your eye for subtle nuances.
2. Elevated Coordination: Contour drawing heightens hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
3. Grasping Form: This technique deepens your comprehension of translating three-dimensional objects onto a two-dimensional canvas.

Blind Contour Drawing: A New Perspective

Elevating the challenge, blind contour drawing shifts focus:

1. Intensified Observation: By concentrating solely on the subject, details and subtleties come to the forefront.
2. Heightened Visual Sensitivity: Blind contour drawing fosters reliance on perception, urging true object observation over preconceived notions.

The Timed Instinctive Exercise

For an instinct-driven approach, attempt this timed exercise:

Step 1: Select simple objects before you.

Step 2: Set a 1-2 minute timer.

Step 3: Draw object contours, avoiding paper glances, focusing purely on subjects.

Step 4: Halt at the timer’s end.

Step 5: Compare drawings to objects, noting their energetic, spontaneous quality.

This timed exercise encourages instinctual trust, enhancing quick observation and translation abilities.

In Conclusion

Artistic progress thrives on fundamental mastery. Contour and blind contour drawing refine observation skills and deepen form comprehension. Through consistent practice and embracing challenges, you’ll heighten visual acuity and artistic confidence. Embark on this exhilarating journey armed with your pen and objects, and let your art flourish.