Pure contour line drawing is the
simplest form of linear expression. The line describes visible
edges of an object. If the subject is carefully chosen and
oriented, a pure contour drawing can have strength, clarity
and simplicity. Surface details such as color, shadow and
highlight are ignored. Draw only clearly defined edges, resisting
the temptation to color in shadows.
Implied Line
Some edges are clear, with a defined
start and finish. But when the edge turns a corner or flattens
out (such as along the bridge of a nose), sometimes the artist
must decide where the line ends. The choice shouldn't be arbitrary,
but should aim to help the viewer make sense of the form.
Be consistent in your handling of similar forms and edges.
The transition from edge to plane, or the line along an edge
which isn't sharp, may be suggested by making breaks in a
line, a dotted line, or some variation between the two. A
simple form, such as this apple, might offer little opportunity
for use of implied line. Lineweight - pressing more or less
heavily - may also be used - examples of this to follow.
Signatory or Calligraphic
Line
Calligraphic or signatory line
is a more expressive form of drawing, in which the artist
allows the flow of line to carry some feeling. Signatory line,
like the signature, will be unique to the artist, the product
of their individual hand and mind. In this example, I've looked
at the form of the apple and tried to capture it in a couple
of quick, simple, and flowing calligraphic lines. Your personal
style will probably be very different.
Limitations of Pure Contour
Drawing
A complex object with many edges
may give the appearance of detail, but a simple object will
offer no information about its three-dimensional form. For
example, a circle may be a flat disk, a ball or a hole. Only
the context of the drawing gives clues about the form. Because
of this, it can be easy to misinterpret shapes, or for them
to look odd or badly drawn. In this example, the fingers look
quite mis-shapen because lack of information gives the viewer
insufficient clues as to the degree of foreshortening.
Contour Drawing using Lineweight
and Implied Line
Adding detail gives the viewer
more information about the form. Varied lineweight - lighter
lines - or implied lines, where a line breaks off and resumes
- makes it clear that these are not sharply defined contours,
but surface details or softer edges. In this example, these
types of line have been used to describe creases in the hand,
and to suggest the planes formed by the bent fingers.
More on Contour Line Drawing Glossary Definition: Line
Contour Line Drawing Exercise
Implied Line - Drawing the Nose
More on Gesture and Line Gestural Drawing
Blind Contour Drawing Exercise
Gestural Figure Drawing
