Contour Lines (Quill Pen Drawing Part 1)
Project Description:
This assignment will be broken up into two parts. The first part of this assignment, after researching a photo you wish to draw, will be drawing the contour lines of the image. You will start almost every drawing thinking about this step, but you will be able to eliminate steps as you gain more confidence and pratice. This assignment will show you how to map out the contour lines and the best way to start looking at real objects to start a drawing of that subject.
Definition
In the art world, a contour line is the line which defines a form or an edge. It is, essentially, the outline or silhouette of a given object or figure. Additionally, contour lines can be used to show any dramatic changes of plane within the object or form - like the inner seams within the structure of a shoe, for example. The term contour finds its origins in French, and is derived from the Italian term contourno, ''to round off''. This, in turn, is from contournare, meaning ''to turn around'' in Medieval Latin, and is traced to Latin as com- +tournare, meaning ''to turn on a lathe''.
Drawing
If you're interested in strengthening your drawing skills, contour line drawing is a great starting point for beginning drawers. This is because an artist drawing with contour lines will only draw the lines following the visible edges of a shape and those along the important interior shapes. During the contour line drawing process you do not need to worry about any kind of shading at all.
Definition
In the art world, a contour line is the line which defines a form or an edge. It is, essentially, the outline or silhouette of a given object or figure. Additionally, contour lines can be used to show any dramatic changes of plane within the object or form - like the inner seams within the structure of a shoe, for example. The term contour finds its origins in French, and is derived from the Italian term contourno, ''to round off''. This, in turn, is from contournare, meaning ''to turn around'' in Medieval Latin, and is traced to Latin as com- +tournare, meaning ''to turn on a lathe''.
Drawing
If you're interested in strengthening your drawing skills, contour line drawing is a great starting point for beginning drawers. This is because an artist drawing with contour lines will only draw the lines following the visible edges of a shape and those along the important interior shapes. During the contour line drawing process you do not need to worry about any kind of shading at all.
Process for Step 1: (Transparency Sketch worth 5 points)
(This will all be demonstrated during class.)
-You will begin by printing off your picture on the black and white copier.
-Take a transparency sheet and tape it to your picture. (only tape one side so you can flip it easily.
-Take a sharpie and begin tracing the contour lines in your photo. These will be the outer edge lines, the outlines of any inner details and outline any shadows in your photo.
-Put a blank sheet of paper in between your transparency sheet and photo so you can see your contour lines.
-Take the good blank drawing paper and with a pencil lightly try to look at your contour lines and draw them onto your paper. (watch your spacing and shape sizes.)
-Once you have your contour lines drawn as you like with your pencil go ahead and trace with your quill pen and ink.
-You will begin by printing off your picture on the black and white copier.
-Take a transparency sheet and tape it to your picture. (only tape one side so you can flip it easily.
-Take a sharpie and begin tracing the contour lines in your photo. These will be the outer edge lines, the outlines of any inner details and outline any shadows in your photo.
-Put a blank sheet of paper in between your transparency sheet and photo so you can see your contour lines.
-Take the good blank drawing paper and with a pencil lightly try to look at your contour lines and draw them onto your paper. (watch your spacing and shape sizes.)
-Once you have your contour lines drawn as you like with your pencil go ahead and trace with your quill pen and ink.
