Rather than using value and shadow to define shape and form, a contour drawing

uses LINES of different thickness to do the same thing.

Both of these drawings use line to define the subject of the drawing. The drawing of the two leaves,

however, also uses a variety of line weights to to better describe the way a leaf looks. Often the

thickness of your line should change in places where two lines intersect.

This portrait uses thick and thin as

well as darker and lighter lines to

better define the face. Lines in this drawing tend to be

thicker where there may have been a shadow.

In this Warhol drawing he uses tiny lines to make detail that happens inside the form of his foot. This can be a good way to show a change on the surface.

Obviously value has been used in this drawing on the areas the artist found most important. After further inspection, however, the contour drawing used to layout the rest of the drawing is extremely well drawn. Notice how the folds of the fabric appear to have depth.

Even technical drawings use line weight to help accurately depict the subject. Notice how thinner, lighter lines tend to be used to define areas where the surface area changes.

This figure drawing also uses line weight effectively. Notice how the rules of

composition also play into this drawing.

To achieve variation in your lines you can press harder where you would like darker, thicker lines and

use less pressure for lighter lines..

Similarly, this contour drawing of a still life uses different line weights to define changes

in the surface of objects.

This artist made a beautiful composition using contour lines. Look at the variety of line they achieved.

While each object in this drawing is successfully rendered, this is not a

successful composition.

This still life also uses contour successfully and has better composition.

Can you see why?

The drawing with the chair uses each corner of the composition differently,makes use of the entire paper, and uses diagonal lines to

lead the eye around the page.

This is not a very exciting drawing, but the entire page has been considered and the line

weight helps to define foreground and background.

This student drawing uses contour nicely. Notice the light, thin lines on the Coke bottle.

It also makes a common composition mistake: ending an object at the edge of the

page.

Pay particular attention to the level of detail you can capture with contour, but try to be just as conscious about how you compose

the drawing.

This drawing is much more interesting when the edges of the page are considered.

This is a beautiful student drawing-- it is well composed and contour is used effectively.

This is a detail of the same drawing. Pay attention to the incredible amount of detail achieved through contour!

As we begin our in-class drawing, be sure to remember to consider your composition and use your contour line weight to define details.

This drawing has wonderful contour details. The boot has depth and form without any shading. Your goal should be to achieve

dimension in your contour drawing.

Remember these drawings as you work on your assignment and strive to make your drawing even better!

We will start by doing a contour line drawing of our hand as a warm up! Look at all the lines

on your hands…perfect to practice this style with.