3.3: The Role of Contour line in Basic Drawing

The line is a cornerstone in basic drawing, offering a means to translate three-dimensional objects onto a two-dimensional plane. This section explores the diverse types of contour lines – exterior, interior, micro, and cross contour – and their applications in observational drawing. They outline the visible edges of objects and can be used to suggest form and volume. Additionally, it introduces the technique of blind contour drawing, a method that enhances observational skills and understanding of form. Contour lines are fundamental in creating a sense of depth and dimension in drawing.

"Outline, Contour Line, and Cross Contour Line Drawing" by ART 005A student is used with permission.

Exterior (Outline) Contour Line

Exterior contour lines are the primary lines that define an object's outer edge or boundary in a drawing. These lines are crucial in establishing the subject's initial shape and silhouette and differentiating it from its surroundings and background. Unlike interior lines, which detail the inside of an object, exterior contour lines capture the outermost limits of the form. Drawing exterior contour lines serves two purposes. First, they provide the subject's basic structure and form, laying the foundation for further detailing. Second, these lines help define the spatial relationship between the subject and its environment, thereby setting the context of the drawing. These lines are instrumental in outlining the initial composition and helping the viewer distinguish the artwork's main subject.

Exterior Contour (outline) of a heart.

Application in Drawing

• Establishing the Form: Artists often start by lightly sketching the exterior contours when beginning a drawing. This initial sketch serves as a guideline for the overall form and proportion of the subject.

• Defining Boundaries: Exterior contour lines are essential in defining the boundaries of the subject. They mark the edges where the subject ends and the background or other elements begin, creating a clear distinction.

• Creating Silhouettes: In some artistic styles, especially in minimalist or abstract art, the exterior contour can itself be the main focus of the drawing. Here, the silhouette created by the contour line can convey a powerful and precise representation of the subject.

• Developing Composition: These lines play a vital role in the composition of the drawing. They help arrange and position the elements within the artwork, ensuring that the subject is appropriately framed and balanced within the space.

• Guiding Further Development: Once the exterior contours are established, they guide the artist in adding interior details, textures, and shading. They serve as a roadmap for further development of the drawing.

In practice, using exterior contour lines requires a keen observation of the subject’s outer shape and an understanding of how this shape interacts with the space around it. Mastery of this drawing element is foundational in creating compelling and well-structured artwork.

Interior Contour Lines

Interior contour lines refer to the lines drawn within the boundaries of an object in a drawing. They contrast with exterior contour lines, which define the outer edges; interior contours map out the lines inside an object. These lines are critical for illustrating the internal structure and features of the subject, adding depth and detail to the drawing. The primary purpose of interior contour lines is to convey the complexity and intricacies of a subject's internal features. They play a significant role in representing the form and volume of an object, offering a deeper understanding of its three-dimensional aspects. By depicting the variations within the object, such as curves, depressions, and ridges, these lines add a layer of realism and detail to the artwork.

Image by Internet Archive Book Image's Photo stream on Flickr in the public domain.

Application in Drawing

• Detailing the Subject: Interior contour lines are used to detail the subject's internal characteristics, such as the folds in clothing, the lines on a hand, or the fruit segments. These lines help in creating a more realistic and lifelike portrayal.

• Enhancing Depth and Volume: These lines enhance the perception of depth and volume by indicating how surfaces curve or fold within the object. They are essential in moving beyond a flat representation to a more three-dimensional depiction.

• Guiding the Viewer’s Eye: Skillful use of interior contour lines can guide the viewer's eye through the drawing, highlighting key features and aspects of the subject. They can draw attention to specific parts of the subject or lead the viewer through the composition.

• Creating Texture and Complexity: Interior contours are invaluable in creating textures within the drawing. For example, the lines within a tree's bark or the intricate patterns on a fabric can be effectively rendered using these lines.

• Supporting the Overall Composition: While exterior contours establish the overall shape, interior contours contribute to the composition by adding complexity and detail. They help balance the drawing and ensure the subject's interior is as engaging as its outline.

In practice, drawing interior contour lines requires an observant eye to notice the subtle nuances of the subject’s inner features. Artists must balance the line weight and intensity to ensure these lines complement, rather than overwhelm, the overall composition. Mastery of interior contour lines is vital for artists aiming to create depth, detail, and realism drawings.

Micro Contour Lines

Micro contour lines are the fine, detailed lines used in drawing to capture a subject's minutest details and textures. These lines are more subtle and intricate than the broader exterior and interior contour lines. They focus on the minor variations in an object's surface, such as the skin's texture, the delicate veins in a leaf, or the fine threads in a fabric. The primary purpose of micro-contour lines is to add a layer of realism and intricacy to a drawing. They are crucial in conveying the texture and the finer aspects of the subject's surface. By incorporating these detailed lines, artists can create a sense of tactility and depth, making the artwork more engaging and lifelike.

"Shoe" by Peter Alfred Hess, Flickr, is licensed CC BY 2.0.

Application in Drawing:

• Capturing Texture: Micro contour lines are essential for depicting textures. They allow artists to render the feel of a surface, whether it is the roughness of bark, the softness of fur, or the smoothness of metal.

• Adding Detail and Realism: These lines contribute significantly to the overall realism of a drawing. Artists can create a more convincing representation of their subject by including fine details.

• Enhancing Depth and Dimension: Although subtle, micro contour lines can enhance the perception of depth and dimension in a drawing. They provide visual cues about the nature of the surface and how it interacts with light.

• Refining the Final Artwork: Micro contour lines are often used in the final stages of a drawing to refine the image and add complexity. They are the finishing touches that can transform a good drawing into a great one.

• Conveying Subtlety in Expression: In portraits or drawings of animals, micro-contours can convey subtle expressions or emotions. For instance, the fine lines around the eyes or mouth can express various emotions, from joy to sorrow.

In practice, drawing micro contour lines requires a steady hand and an eye for detail. Artists must carefully observe their subjects to identify and accurately depict these tiny variations. The use of micro contour lines demands patience and precision, but the resulting richness and depth they bring to a drawing are well worth the effort. Mastery of this technique is particularly valuable in realistic and hyper-realistic drawing styles, where attention to detail is paramount.

Interior Cross-Contour Lines

Interior cross-contour lines are lines that move across the surface of an object within its boundaries, mapping its three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional plane. Unlike exterior contour lines that define the object's outer edge or interior contour lines that detail features within the object, cross contour lines illustrate how the surface undulates, bends, and folds. These lines intersect and weave across the object, providing a visual guide to its topography. Cross-contour lines' primary purpose is to convey an object's volume, curvature, and spatial orientation. They help create a more tactile and immersive drawing by suggesting how surfaces curve away from or toward the viewer. Cross-contour lines add a dynamic quality to drawings, enhancing the illusion of depth and dimensionality.

Image by sw, low fired Blogspot is licensed CC BY-NY-SA 3.0.

Application in Drawing

• Illustrating Volume and Form: Cross-contour lines are particularly effective in depicting the volumetric form of an object. They can show a fruit's roundness, a figure's muscular curves, or the intricate turns of a twisted cloth.

• Enhancing Depth Perception: By following the natural curvature of the object, these lines enhance the viewer’s perception of depth, making the drawing more three-dimensional and realistic.

• Guiding the Eye: Skillfully applied cross-contour lines can guide the viewer’s eye around the object, emphasizing its three-dimensional shape and making the artwork more engaging.

• Facilitating Shading Techniques: These lines are also helpful in planning shading in a drawing. They indicate the planes of the object where light and shadow will fall, aiding in creating a more lifelike portrayal with a convincing light source.

• Improving Observational Skills: Drawing cross-contour lines requires careful observation of the subject, helping artists better understand and interpret its form. This practice enhances an artist's ability to visualize and depict three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface.

In practice, drawing cross-contour lines involves understanding the subject's geometry and how light interacts with its surfaces. This technique is not about drawing every line seen but rather about selecting lines that best describe the form and essence of the subject. Mastery of cross-contour lines is a valuable skill for artists, particularly those focusing on realism and life drawing, as it significantly contributes to the depth and realism of their work.32F 33

Blind Contour Drawing

Blind contour drawing is an important exercise for artists to improve their observational skills and hand-eye coordination. This exercise aims to draw a subject's contour lines without looking at the drawing surface. This technique emphasizes the connection between seeing and drawing by focusing on careful observation. It fosters a more intuitive and expressive approach to drawing while refining hand-eye coordination. This exercise is a fundamental part of art education that helps artists break free from habitual drawing patterns and explore new creative avenues. Blind contour drawing is an artistic technique where the artist draws the contour of a subject without looking at the paper.

"Blind Contour Drawing" by Art-005A student, used with permission.

Key Aspects in Drawing Training Observational Skills: Artists practicing blind contour drawing learn to observe a subject more meticulously. This heightened observation leads to a better understanding of the subject's form and proportions. Improving Hand-Eye Coordination: This technique significantly improves hand-eye coordination since the artist does not look at the paper while drawing. It teaches the hand to follow the movement of the eye intuitively.

Encouraging Expressive Line Work: Blind contour drawings often produce fluid, expressive, and unpredictable lines. This can lead to a more spontaneous and individualistic drawing style.

Developing Concentration and Patience: This method requires a level of concentration and patience that is beneficial for artists. It encourages a slower, more considered approach to drawing.

Breaking Creative Blocks: Often used as a warm-up exercise, blind contour drawing can help artists break out of creative blocks, encouraging a more free-form and less judgmental approach to their work.

Application in Drawing:

• To practice blind contour drawing, select a simple subject and focus on it throughout the drawing process.

• Draw its outline on your paper, keeping your eyes on the subject, and do not look while outlining.

• Your hand should move in unison with your eyes as they trace the subject's contours.

• The line should be continuous, without lifting the drawing tool from the paper.

• Embrace any inaccuracies or distortions as part of the learning process.3