Hey guys, if you are still viewing this post on Facebook, be sure to click “View Original Post” at the bottom of the notes page if you want to visit my site and check out previous notes/posts on the subject. We shall continue with arming ourselves with basic drawing skills … we are discussing Pure Contour Drawing.
PURE CONTOUR DRAWING
Pure contour is basically outline drawing. Look at the work of cartoonists --- they usually enjoy using pure line which is the line that describes the visible edges of their objects. Pure contour drawing is an essential skill for them.
When you want to draw an object, you must be sure to choose a point of view and keep it. Meaning you look at your object and your medium with minimal movement. This way, the shapes you see will always be the same. Try it, look at an object and as you move, the view (shapes) changes.
I am sharing with you some lessons from Helen South http://tinyurl.com/2bhvvqx on pure control drawing. Pure contour drawing is the simplest form of linear expression, it is just drawing the visible edges of an object. You ignore details like shadow, color or highlights. You just have to draw clearly defined edges.
IMPLIED LINE
You will find that some outline or edges are clear, start to finish, they are clearly defined. But notice that when a line turns a corner or flattens out (like the bridge of a nose) THE LINE SHOULD NOT BE DRAWN, BUT IMPLIED. You need to decide where you should end your drawn line. You should aim to help whoever will look at your drawing to make sense of the form. Remember to be consistent in handling similar forms and edges … the change from edge to plain, or the line along the edge which isn’t sharp --- these lines maybe implied or suggested by making breaks in line, a dotted line or combination, whatever you choose. You may also use “lineweight” which is like pressing more or less heavily.
SIGNATORY OR CALLIGRAPHIC LINE
I’m sure you know what calligraphy is. Those fancy flowing lines in writing “letters” just like signatures --- flowing strokes, a personal style. Well, your personal style will probably be different from the others, just like your signature. In this illustration, I looked at the form of the apple and tried to capture it in a couple of quick, simple and flowing strokes or lines, also known as calligraphic lines. Try to do the same on your whiteboard. Calligraphic or signatory line is a more expressive form of drawing. So in this exercise, draw your apple like you would do your signature --- allow the flow of line to carry some feeling. You will be doing your signatory line, like signature, in the form of an apple. This is unique to you, a product of your hand and mind. Compare your drawing with mine, I’m sure they will be different.
