This document provides examples and guidance on using contour line drawing techniques. It discusses how contour drawing uses varied line thickness instead of shading to define shape and form. Several masterworks are shown that demonstrate effective use of thick and thin lines to depict shadows, surfaces, and details. The document emphasizes using harder or softer pencils and pressure to vary line darkness. It also stresses the importance of strong composition, such as following the rule of thirds, in contour line drawings.

1. Blind & Pure Contour
Line Drawing

2. Rather than using value and shadow to define
shape and form, a contour drawing uses LINES
of different thickness to do the same thing.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. This Warhol drawing
defines the cast shadow
with a contour line as
well. He also uses
different types of line to
define different areas--
look at the difference in
the line used to draw the
jagged edge of the lid
compared to the smooth,
accurate line of the can
opener.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. In this drawing the thick
and thin lines really
help to define the
shape of the body.
Areas that are darker
are achieved by
groupings of smaller
lines, suggesting
texture or a slight
shadow.

9. Egon Schiele is also a
master of contour
drawing. Look at how
he has used line to
define the crease in
the woman’s stomach.

10. 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.

11. This figure drawing also uses line weight
effectively. Notice how the rules of composition
also play into this drawing.

12. To achieve variation in your lines you can press harder on
your pencil where you would like darker, thicker lines and use
less pressure for lighter lines. Pay attention to which pencil
you are using. ‘B’ pencils are softer and can have greater
variation in the lines they create. ‘H’ pencils are harder and
make lighter lines.

13. Similarly, this contour drawing of a still life uses
different line weights to define changes in the
surface of objects.

14. This contour
drawing uses two
composition
methods: the rule
of thirds and
treating each
corner differently.

15. While each object in this drawing is successfully
rendered, this is not a successful composition.

16. This still life also uses contour successfully and has
better composition.
Can you see why?

17. The drawing with the chair uses each corner of
the composition differently, follows the rule of
thirds, and uses diagonal lines to lead the eye
around the page.

18. This is not a very exciting drawing, but the entire page
has been considered and the line weight helps to
define foreground and background.

19. 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.

20. 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.

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

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

23. This is also a
successful student
drawing. Darker and
lighter lines lead the
eye around page.

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

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

26. 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

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