Here is a fun and worthwhile drawing
exercise, a favourite with drawing teachers to develop hand-eye
communication. Contour drawing is essentially outline drawing,
and blind contour drawing means drawing the outline of the
subject without looking at the paper. The end result doesn't
matter - what is important is carefully observing the subject.
I prefer to slightly stretch the meaning of
'contour' to include lines generally, so that from time to
time the line will wander across the form and back out again,
capturing little details along the way. Make the line continuous,
that is, avoid lifting the pencil from the paper, and most
importantly, DON'T PEEK! If need be, work with your sketchbook
under the table. If drawing on loose paper, you may need to
tape it in place.
Now,
just draw your hand! Place the pencil near the bottom of the
page, then looking at the edge of the wrist, begin to follow
the line, going very slowly and steadily. Try to make your
pencil follow every slight curve and bump. When you get to
a crease, follow it in then back out to the side and carry
on. Don't rush. Concentrate on observing every little detail.
When you've gone all around the hand, stop and
look at the end results. Funny? But look how some areas of
your drawing are amazingly accurate. Sure, the large areas
might be out of proportion to each other, but you will notice
that some parts are far better drawn than when you were looking
at the paper!
Blind Contour Drawing Example - Face
This blind contour drawing of a face has a fun,
relaxed feel but was done a bit too quickly. I should have
a lot more detail in the eyes, nose, mouth and hair texture.
Blind Contour Drawing Example - Hand
This blind contour drawing of a hand is also
rather speedily done. Try to slow down a bit and really observe
all those little creases and wrinkles. I like the relaxed
feel these drawings have though - I have fun doing them and
I think it shows. Now I have to carry that relaxed line into
my more serious drawings!
Hands are great subjects, and you can change the pose as often
as you like. Try making some unusual shapes with your fingers,
or holding an object.
Blind Contour Drawing Example - Rose
The shapes of organic forms, such as flowers,
fruit and leaves, make excellent subjects for blind contour
drawing. You tend to be more relaxed about them, too, and
focus more clearly on the shape. Familiar, hard-edged manufactured
objects tempt us to draw what we 'know' rather than what we
see. The unexpected forms of a flower encourage us to look
really hard and trust our eyes. This is the whole point of
blind contour drawing. Observing, and allowing your hand to
follow your eyes. The end result doesn't really matter. I'm
rather pleased with this one - the attention to detail is
better, but still with a nice line quality.
Now,
just draw your hand! Place the pencil near the bottom of the
page, then looking at the edge of the wrist, begin to follow
the line, going very slowly and steadily. Try to make your
pencil follow every slight curve and bump. When you get to
a crease, follow it in then back out to the side and carry
on. Don't rush. Concentrate on observing every little detail. 
