Blind Contour Drawing

Exhibition: Figured

Artist: AFA Collection - group exhibition

Overview

Drawing the figure requires careful observation and its representation can range from highly detailed to loose and expressive depending on an artists approach. We can see this range of approach when examining the works in the Figured exhibition.  What they have in common, is that they are all careful and personal observations of the human form.  Drawing from life allows an artist to study and observe all aspects of the subject in full form.  Each shape, line and contour can be accurately observed and investigated.  In this visual study, participants will observe a live human study to create their own blind contour figure drawing.  The human figure is one of the most difficult subjects for artists to accurately render and can take years of careful study and observation to accomplish.  A blind contour drawing allows for participants to approach human figure drawing in a way that relies on careful observation of lines and shapes but allows for expectations to be removed and to embrace imperfection.

Objectives

• Exercise hand-eye coordination

• Develop representational drawing abilities through observation

• Apply fundamental principals within figure drawing such as proportions, observation and attention to detail

• Embrace imperfection and remove expectations through process art making

Materials

• Any drawing material that allows for fluid motion; pen, pencil, marker

• Newsprint, manila or any other sketch quality paper

Instructions:

Step One

Have participants work in pairs and sit across from one another, as they will be each other’s subject. Each participant should have a drawing instrument and piece of paper in front of them. 

If you choose to draw a portrait, you and your partner can draw simultaneously as neither of you will be moving your head to look at your paper.  If older participants would like to challenge themselves with a full figure drawing, you and your partner will take turns as the subject while the other one draws. 

Step Two

Fix your eyes on the outline of your subject.  Pick a point and begin tracking the edge of the subject/object with your eyes.  When the eye begins to move, so should your hand holding your drawing instrument.  Continue to follow the outline of your subject while simultaneously drawing the contour very slowly in a steady and continuous line without lifting the pencil or looking at the paper.

Step Three

Blind contour drawing is a very beneficial and effective exercise in developing drawing skills.  Try repeating this exercise and see if you can observe and include more details.   

Variations

The exercise can be varied to include any life object of interest. Try drawing fruit, flowers, tools, stuffed animals or the detail of a single body part, such as a hand or foot, etc. Choosing a small object that doesn’t move makes it easier for younger participants to observe details.

Create a blind contour self-portrait by setting yourself up in front of a mirror.

Once completed, participants can add colour to their blind contour drawing. 

A quick blind contour drawing can be done prior to any drawing or painting project as a beneficial warm-up exercise.