Line / Contour

Line / Contour

Line

•A line is identifiable path created by a point moving in space.  It is one-dimension and can vary in width, direction and length.  

•Lines often define the edges of a form – describes shape and outline

•Lines can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curved, straight, thick, thin.

•Lines lead the eye around a composition.

•Line communicates information through character and direction

•Horizontal Line suggests a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest.  

•Vertical lines often communicate a sense of height because they are perpendicular to the earth, extending upwards towards the sky.  

        •A Contour is the line which defines a form or edge – an outline

       •Contour describes the outermost edges of a form as well as dramatic changes of a plane within the form

        •Contour – French meaning outline.

        •Describes mass and volume (shape and form) rather than detail

      

  •Pure Contour means the outline of the drawing only.   Line describes 

         the edge of the object being drawn – the silhouette of an object.

•Pure Contour means the outline of the drawing.   Line describes the edge of the object being drawn. 

•No information is given on the inside of the line.

Be guided by instinct!

It is an artful experience where you rely on sensation rather than perception.

Contour is to record a slow intense recording of the observation of an object being drawn

1. Use sharp pointed pencil, ballpoint pen or pen and ink; Contour drawing requires a single incisive precisely made line.

2.Do not retrace already stated lines or erase for correction

3. Keep eyes on the subject being drawn.  The eye and hand become one.

4. Keep implement on paper until you are completed.  Heavier weight/pressure indicates shift of direction

•Slow and intense observation – where you become so absorbed in looking at the object you forget the name of the object you are drawing.

•Great to try for hands, feet, faces, gloves, shoes, fruits, veggies, tools, desktop items, vehicles, bicycles, motorbikes, trucks, toys, friends, animals self-portraits.

•Blind Contour – drawing an object using observation

 without looking at your paper while drawing the object.

*Keep the pencil down on the paper