Contour line drawing is a simple but effective technique that artists use to outline the shape and form of an object. It’s a form of line art that emphasizes the curves and edges of a subject. Learning how to do contour line drawing is an excellent way to start learning how to draw, and it’s a great way to develop your skills as an artist. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of creating a contour line drawing.
What is Contour Line Drawing?
Contour line drawing is a form of art that involves drawing the outline of an object using continuous lines that define the edges and contours of the subject. It’s an essential skill for any artist and can be used as a basis for more complex drawings or as a standalone piece of art.
Contour drawing is not about details; it’s about drawing an object’s edges and curves in a way that represents its form. By focusing solely on the outline of the subject, you’ll train your eye to see the entire picture, forcing you to pay attention to the details that matter most.
Materials Needed
Before we get started, here’s a list of materials you’ll need:
- Paper or sketchbook
- Pencil- 2B or 4B are good options
- Eraser
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Observe your subject
Observation is a vital part of any drawing process. The more time you spend looking at your subject, the better your drawing will be. Take a few moments to observe the lines and curves of your subject before starting.
Step 2 – Start with a basic shape
Once you’ve observed your subject, begin by sketching a basic shape. For example, if you’re drawing a face, you might start with a circle or oval shape to represent the head.
Step 3 – Add contour lines
Start adding contour lines around the basic shape of your subject. Focus on defining the edges and curves of the subject.
Step 4 – Avoid shading at this point
At this point, you should avoid shading. Focus on creating a clean edge and curvy lines. Remember, contour lines are only about the edges — there’s no shading.
Step 5 – Add more detail
Start adding more detail to your subject, such as eyes, nose, and mouth.
Step 6 – Refine your lines
Refine your contour lines, making them more defined, darker, and deliberate.
Step 7 – Additional details
After you have refined your lines, add additional details such as hair, clothing, or accessories.
Step 8 – Work on negative space
Take a look at the negative spaces created by your contour lines. These negative spaces are just as important as the subject itself, and you should make sure they’re shaded appropriately.
Step 9 – Add shadow and depth
Once you’re happy with your drawing, you can add shading, texture, and depth. This step will give your drawing a more realistic appearance and bring it to life.
Step 10 – Final touches
Give your drawing a final touch-up by refining the details and erasing any unwanted marks.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the purpose of contour drawing?
Contour drawing is an excellent way to learn how to see objects and spaces. It’s an excellent way to train your eye to see the subject’s curves and edges, helping you create more detailed and realistic drawings.
Q2. Should I use a specific pencil type for contour drawing?
You can use any pencil for contour drawing, but we recommend using a 2B or 4B pencil for more detailed lines.
Q3. Can I do contour drawing without a reference?
No, because contour drawing focuses on the edges and curves of a subject, you need a reference to create an accurate drawing.
Q4. Can I use this technique to draw anything?
Yes, you can use contour drawing to draw anything from a chair to a person.
Q5. How can I improve my contour drawing skills?
Practice is the best way to improve your contour drawing skills. We recommend starting with simple subjects like objects with simple shapes before jumping into more complex ones.
Q6. Is it okay to make mistakes?
Yes, making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Don’t worry about making mistakes, keep practicing, and you’ll see improvement over time.
Conclusion
Contour line drawing is a fundamental art technique that every artist should know. It helps you build strong drawing skills and train your eye to see the details that matter. Although it takes time and practice to master, following our step-by-step guide can help you learn contour line drawing and begin creating beautiful, detailed art pieces that you’ll be proud of.