Contour Project
Ms. SQ’s Upper School Art
What is Line?
Contour Lines
Contour is a slow, intense inspection of parts.
A contour line is a single clean, incisive line,
which defines edges. It is, however, unlike
outlining, which only states the outside edge
of an object defining difference between
positive and negative space.
➔ Descriptive
Can define an interior complexity of
planes and shape.
➔ Purpose
Draw slowly and deliberately, not
sketchy! No shading, only lines.
➔ Interest
Modify how thick or thin your lines are.
1. Blind Contour
Do NOT look at your paper as you draw, only
look at the subject.
➔ Slow and Steady
Center your vision on each section of
the subject to be drawn, studying one
section at a time
➔ One Line
Drawing is formed with a single contour
line specific to the contour of the form
and to the surface of the subject.
➔ Coordination
This technique is a test to challenge the
unity of the hand and eye.
2. Continuous Contour
In this type of line study, the pencil will never
leave the page!
➔ You Can Look
Your eyes may go back and forth
between object and drawing..
➔ Unbroken Line
The continuous line drawing is
unbroken from beginning to end.
➔ Uninterrupted
The drawing utensil stays in
uninterrupted contact with the face of
the paper during the entire length of
the drawing.
3. Modified Contour
You have the ability to draw your lines freely.
Your eyes should be looking at the object
more than the paper.
➔ Advanced Contour
Give personality by using different line
qualities (bold, thin, curved, jagged).
➔ Multiple Lines
You can lift your pencil and start new
lines as needed.
➔ Edits
You can adjust, erase, and make edits
as needed in your drawing.
Da Vinci
Hand Study
Your Turn! Let’s Practice.
We will draw each image as a blind and continuous contour.
Tip
Keep eyes on subject.
Do not let your eyes move
quicker than your hand
Draw when there is a change in
value, texture, or color too
Do not make meaningless lines
KEEP ONE LINE & NO ERASING
Ready?
You will be
timed for 3
minutes each
for a blind
and
continuous
contour.
Take 2!
3rd time's the
charm!
Take 4!
Take 5!
You will be
timed for 5
minutes for
each contour
now!
Ready for a
challenge?
Here’s the
last one!
ART I: Contour Hand Study
Requirements:
- Experiment with at least 3 dynamic contour hand studies
- Must be Modified Contour to demonstrate full abilities
- Focus on only lines (remember you can add shading with lines)
- Must add detail lines in each hand
- Compose contour hands in one composition together
- Takes up most of the paper
- Focus on accuracy and technical abilities
- Background is colored or hands are cut & glued on colored paper
- Outline final artwork with pens or markers Can be colored or black
pens/markers
Bonus: Think about the relationship between the drawn hands in your study
- Is there a message or connection between them?
Art II: Advanced Contour Hand Study
Requirements:
- Experiment with at least 5 dynamic contour hand studies
- Must be Modified Contour to demonstrate full abilities
- Focus on only lines (remember you can add shading with lines)
- Must show detailed interior lines of each hand
- Demonstrate variety of line thickness for emphasis
- Compose contour hands in one composition together
- Takes up most of the paper
- Focus on accuracy and technical abilities
- Outline final artwork with pens or markers Can be colored or black
pens/markers
- Demonstrate personal interests with the drawn hands and any
additional details in your study
- Is there a message or connection between them?
Consider using
American Sign
Language for your
project!
Tentative Schedule:
August 23rd - Introduce Contour and Project
August 24-25th - Experiment with 3 types of Contour
August 26th - Start Hand Contour Sketches
August 30th - Hand Contour Sketches finalized and due for Formative grade (You
know what you want to do with your final!)
August 31st - Start sketching out onto final draft
September 7th - Halfway checkpoint with final project (last work week)
- Make sure you are started onto color or outlining!
Tuesday September 14th - Final Contour Hand Project Due
