Contour drawing is a fundamental technique in art that focuses on the outlines and edges of a subject. When it comes to portraits, it allows artists to capture the essence of a person through their unique features and expressions. This method emphasizes observation and hand-eye coordination, making it a fantastic exercise for artists of all skill levels. Let’s dive into three diverse examples of using contour drawing for portraits.
In this technique, you’ll create a portrait using a single, continuous line without lifting your pencil from the paper. This method encourages you to focus on the shapes and contours of the face, leading to a more expressive and loose drawing.
Start by selecting a reference image of a person. Position yourself comfortably and look closely at the features you want to capture. Begin at one point, perhaps the chin, and continue to trace the outline of the face, moving up to the forehead, down to the nose, and around the eyes, all in one stroke. Try not to look at your paper too much; instead, keep your gaze focused on the reference. This technique can result in a unique, flowing representation of the subject’s face.
Notes: If you want to add more details, you can go over the line again to emphasize specific areas, like the eyes or lips, but try to maintain the original line’s fluidity. Experiment with different subjects to see how their characteristics come through in this style.
Blind contour drawing takes continuous line drawing a step further by having you draw the subject without looking at the paper at all! This exercise sharpens your observational skills and can yield surprisingly delightful results.
Choose a live model or a photograph. As you begin, focus on the contours of the face, starting from the outer edge and working your way inward. Keep your pencil moving as you follow the contours, but remember not to look down at your drawing. This may feel challenging at first, but it encourages you to truly observe the subject, capturing the nuances of their features without the distraction of your paper.
Notes: After completing your blind contour drawing, you can choose to add shading or color to enhance the piece. You may also consider creating a series of blind contour drawings of different people to practice and notice how each person’s features influence your drawing.
Cross-contour drawing adds another layer to the contour technique by incorporating lines that follow the form of the face rather than just its outline. This method provides depth and dimension to your portrait.
Select a reference image and begin by lightly sketching the outer contours of the face. Once you have the basic outline, start adding horizontal and vertical lines across the face. Imagine these lines as following the curves and planes of the face, like the way you would draw the contours of a three-dimensional object. Pay attention to the areas of light and shadow, and use your cross-contour lines to indicate these variations in depth.
Notes: This technique can be particularly effective for capturing the roundness of cheeks or the prominence of the nose. You can experiment with varying the spacing of your cross-contour lines to create different effects, from soft blends to sharper contrasts.
By practicing these examples of using contour drawing for portraits, you’ll enhance your observation skills and develop a deeper understanding of facial features and their expressions. Happy drawing!