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You will need:
- drawing paper or sketch pad
- Sanford Mirado® pencil or Sharpie® pen
- interesting objects to draw
- a large book or divider so you can't peek
Blind contour drawings are practice drawings made up entirely of lines. They are called blind contour drawings because you can't look at your drawing until you are done! Blind contour drawings will help you train your eyes to see the shapes and edges as you draw. Your hand will record every detail slowly and accurately. Remember! No peeking!
Blind contour drawings make look a little strange but they'll help you draw better!
1. When you make a contour drawing you draw only the edges or outlines of the shapes you see. There is no shading. Contour lines show the edges and outlines of shapes. A blind contour is drawn the same way as a contour drawing except you do not look at your drawing--you only look at the object. They might look a little strange but they are not scribbles or even gesture drawings!
2. To make a blind contour drawing, choose an interesting object to draw. Objects with lots of edges, wrinkles, or other details are the most fun.
3. Set up a screen (a large book works well). Place your object on one side of the screen. Place your paper or sketchbook on the other side of the screen. You can tape the paper down to keep it from moving.
4. Place your pen or pencil on your paper. Be sure your starting point gives you enough room so you don't draw off the edge of the paper.
5. Study the object and draw very slowly. DON'T PEEK at your drawing! You are training your eyes to see the details and your hand to record every detail. DO NOT LIFT your pencil or pen. Keep the tip on the paper at all times to draw a continuous line. Sometimes you may need to drag your pencil or pen to get to a new shape.
6. Now look at your drawing. Can you see the details of your object? Try drawing several more blind contours of the same object. Then draw a contour drawing (looking at your drawing as you work) of the same object. You should see a big difference in how your contour drawings look if you warm up with a few blind contour drawings first!
Blind contour drawing |
Contour drawing |
7. Give your artworks a title, tell us about them and send them to us!
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