A Great Drawing Instruction Method and Warm

IntroductionAs an artist and art instructor, I have often used a great drawing exercise that really helps artists and art students increase their proficiency and sense of comfort when drawing. Blind contour drawing is an approach to drawing that is quite unique and counter to our natural instincts when we think about drawing. In essence, the artist is setting up an obstacle for him or herself in creating an accurate drawing of an object. This sounds crazy on the surface, but this technique is very canada goose outlet winnipeg effective in drawing instruction on several levels. Let me explain.

buy canada goose jacket The Method: What is Blind Contour?The best way to describe blind contour drawing canada goose jacket outlet uk is to first define some terms. The term “contour” when used in drawing means the “edge” of an object. For example, when drawing a basketball, an artist will draw a circle to define the “edge” he or she sees when canada goose clothing uk looking at the basketball. Of course, there is no actual edge to the basketball, but we perceive it as an edge, especially when we try to represent the ball in a two dimensional format like drawing or painting. Edges can be found throughout canada goose outlet ontario an object when we observe it closely not just along the outside canada goose outlet store montreal of the item. Wrinkles in fabric can be seen as edges or contours, as can the transition between two colors or textures. So when we draw these edges, we are not just canada goose outlet 80 off drawing “cookie cutter canada goose outlet 2015 images,” but rather complete drawings with interesting things going on on the inside of the objects as well. buy canada goose jacket

canada goose deals So, that explains the “contour” part of this drawing technique. Now, for the “blind” part. In this drawing exercise technique, “blind” refers canada goose outlet website legit to the fact that the artist refrains from looking at his or her paper while executing the drawing. Instead, the artist keeps his eyes trained on the object being drawn and moves the hand holding the pencil or charcoal in response to the artist’s eye moving along the contours (or edges) of the object. This sounds simple enough, but in practice it can be difficult. Our natural instinct is to look at our drawing almost to the point of obsession when we draw. canada goose outlet buffalo The urge to canada goose outlet vancouver look at the paper when we draw is quite strong. In fact, getting to the point where you can do the blind contour technique for even a few seconds can require practice and patience. The temptation to “peek” is very strong. It is important to persist, however; because the rewards of doing so are great. I’ll canada goose jacket outlet store explain in the next section. canada goose deals

canadian goose jacket The Benefits of Blind Contour DrawingThe first benefit gained from blind contour drawing is an increased ability to translate a three dimensional object into a two dimensional representation. As the artist focuses his attention solely on the subject, his familiarity with the http://www.canadagoosejacketoutlett.com object increases. The artist sees details about the object he or she might not have noticed before. Also, the artist gains practice learning “the geography of the page.” In other words, the canada goose outlet in montreal eye and the hand learn to coordinate the motion of the eye following those edges we’ve been talking about with the motion of the drawing hand travelling over the paper. This is a hugely useful canada goose outlet location skill that can be translated to all forms of drawing and painting. canadian goose jacket

Canada Goose Outlet Similarly, this drawing technique can be helpful in breaking the artist’s tendency to “over focus” on the canada goose outlet boston product much too early in the drawing process. In drawing, especially in realistic drawing, more time should be spent looking at the subject than is spent looking at the drawing. This is especially true at the beginning of the drawing process. When one is just starting a drawing, at least 80% of the time should be spent looking at the object being drawn. Blind contour drawing helps make this practice more comfortable for the artist. Canada Goose Outlet

This next benefit of blind contour drawing is largely psychological. When an artist or art student is faced with the challenge of not looking canada goose outlet mall at the paper while drawing, certain inhibitions and fears about drawing are conquered. Since such an obstacle to making an accurate realistic drawing is present, the inner critic is silenced and the fear of failure is cancelled out. The results of blind contour drawings are quite unusual and canada goose outlet niagara falls sometimes very appealing. This helps beak the notion that a drawing must be “perfect” in order for it to be worthwhile. This popular notion is canada goose womens outlet quite untrue! The quirkiness of canada goose outlet ottawa these drawings can be very charming and can stand on their own as a lovely work of art.

canada goose clearance sale In my experience as an art instructor, I have found the blind contour technique to be very helpful in reaching reluctant or frightened drawers. As I’ve mentioned in a previous hub (How to Make Drawing Fun) most adults do not like to draw because of their fear of failure. This unusual drawing canada goose outlet toronto address technique and its sometimes humorous canada goose outlet paypal results can really break the ice for the individual who is worried about “measuring up.” canada goose clearance sale

Canada Goose Parka Tips for Making Blind Contour Most EffectiveI’d like to share several tips for getting the most out of the blind contour technique: Canada Goose Parka

Canada Goose online Don’t use expensive materials Since these drawings are for a warm up exercise and the results are so unpredictable, don’t waste money on fancy paper or drawing materials. Canada Goose online

canada goose clearance Go big The idea of blind contour drawing is to lessen the artist’s fears about failure. Usually these canada goose outlet winnipeg address fears are translated into small, tight drawings. To counter this tendency, encourage your students (or yourself) to use large sheets of paper and to try to fill the page with the drawing. canada goose clearance

canada goose coats on sale Use “easy” materials Since you canada goose outlet want to discourage “peeking” at the page, canada goose outlet toronto make sure you use drawing materials that easily make strong marks on the paper. Something like soft charcoal or large markers are preferable to pencils or fine line markers for this technique. If it feels like you are easily making strong marks on your canada goose outlet official paper, you will be less likely to look at the paper to canada goose outlet authentic check your results. canada goose coats on sale

canada goose coats Don’t judge Remember, these canada goose outlet in toronto drawings are only meant for warm up or practice. Don’t apply any preconceived “standards” to these drawings. You don’t have to like everything you draw. Each drawing is an exploration. Don’t pressure yourself (or your students) to draw canada goose outlet reviews something perfectly. canada goose outlet store uk This tip goes for any form of drawing. canada goose coats

canada goose Keep it short and sweet Keep the time allowed for each drawing short. canada goose outlet new york city Thirty seconds to a minute or two canada goose kensington parka uk is plenty of time. Any more than this will encourage peeking and/or “fussing.” canada goose

Canada Goose sale Blind contour can also become a method artists choose to make finished art for display if the method and its products resonate with the artist. In this case, the artist would want to choose better materials to create the drawings, like acid free paper and fade resistant inks, etc.5 years ago from Texas, USA Canada Goose sale

cheap Canada Goose Thanks,! This is a great warm up technique as well as a great skill builder for eye hand coordination something artists really need. Thanks again for your comment!5 years ago from North Carolina cheap Canada Goose

canada goose black friday sale Great hub! I’ve used blind contour as a drawing warm canada goose outlet uk sale up, and love it! It’s fun to see the results! I think this was wonderful information to share for artists who haven’t tested this method before. canada goose black friday sale

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buy canada goose jacket cheap Thanks for your comment, carol7777. Blind contour is a great technique for warm up and/or skill building. I would encourage everyone interested in drawing to give it a try.5 years ago from Arizona buy canada goose jacket cheap.