Mrs. Jennifer Potter
Gesture, contour and blind contour line drawings
Drawing
Introduction:
This lesson incorporates the drawing exercises of gesture, contour and blind contour line drawings. Each exercise strengthens an artists’ drawing skill in a variety of ways.
Objectives: S.W.B.A.T:
- Verbally define the term gesture drawing.
- Verbally define the term contour line drawing.
- Verbally define the term blind contour line drawing.
- Use a pencil to practice and complete a minimum of 20 timed gesture drawings on white pieces of paper.
- Use a marker to complete 10 timed contour line drawings in class.
- Use a pen to complete 5 blind contour line drawings in class
Standards:
9.1.12 A: Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
9.1.12B: Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.
9.1.12C: Integrate and apply advanced vocabulary to the arts forms.
9.1.12G:Delineate a unifying theme through the production of a work of art that reflects skills in media processes and techniques.
9.1.12H: Incorporate the effective and safe use of materials, equipment and tools into the production of works in the arts at work and performance spaces.
Vocabulary:
-Gesture Drawing: “a method of training hands to quickly sketch what the brain has already seen.”
-Contour line drawing: “A contour is the line which defines a form or edge – an outline. Contour drawing is the place where most beginners start, following the visible edges of a shape. The contour describes the outermost edges of a form, as well as dramatic changes of plane within the form.”
-Blind contour line drawing: “Blind contour drawing’ is when contour drawing is done without looking at the paper.”
Procedures:
Day One:
-Introduce the idea of gesture drawing.
-Distribute handout on gesture drawing and discuss.
-Demonstrate gesture drawing.
Day Two:
-Place one random household object on each table.
-Give student one minute to complete a gesture drawing of the object. When the minute is up, rotate the objects so the students sitting at each table get a new object to draw.
-Continue for at least 20 times.
Day Three:
-Introduce the idea of contour line drawing.
-Distribute handout on contour line drawing and discuss.
-Demonstrate contour line drawing.
Day Four:
-Place one random household object on each table.
-Give students 10 minutes to complete a contour line drawing of the object. After ten minutes, rotate the objects on the tables so every student has a new object.
Day Five:
-Repeat day four until 10 contour line drawings have been done.
Day Six:
-Introduce, discuss and demonstrate blind contour drawing.
-Allow the rest of the period for students to try blind contour drawing a minimum of two blind contour drawings should be completed.
Assessment:
See rubric
Materials:
-pencils
-white paper
-various household objects to sketch
-Timer
-sketchbook for homework
-Handout on Gesture drawing
-Handout on Contour line drawing.
Sources:
Gesture Drawing
“a method of training hands to quickly sketch what the brain has already seen.”
- FOCUS--- constantly. The eye, a wonderful camera estimates proportions, contours, movement, and contrasts quickly. Determine contours first, then interior shapes and shadows
- DRAW LIGHTLY---for the 1st "layer" as a rough draft; darker for the 2nd drawing corrections right over the 1st layer adding contrast; then, the darkest 3rd layer with deep shadows and final contours.
- DRAW QUICKLY--- The entire image is viewed in a blink. Make the pencil follow content flashed to the brain. Keep the pencil/pen in constant circular and linear motion. Catch the form, not the details.
- CONSTANT MOVEMENT---is a necessity. Quick, light drawing makes for easy clarifications in succeeding layers. Move eyes with quick returns without moving the head. Accuracy takes patience, perseverance and lots of practice.
- TIMED DRAWINGS---from 10-30 seconds for skill practices of single shapes and 1-2 minutes for grouping objects together. It's a challenge only in the beginning.
- NO ERASING. Step 2 is the key. Gesture drawing's purpose is to develop visual skills which will affect expertise. Erasing breaks focus and wastes time.
Contour and Blind Contour Line Drawing
“A contour is the line which defines a form or edge - an outline. Contour drawing is the place where most beginners start, following the visible edges of a shape. The contour describes the outermost edges of a form, as well as dramatic changes of plane within the form.”
- Keep your eye on the object your drawing, NOT your paper. Imagine that the pencil is touching the object you are drawing instead of the paper. Then slowly move your eye across the contours of the object and allow your eye to pull your pencil along with it. LET YOUR EYE GUIDE YOUR HAND!
- BE PATIENT!! It is OK to make mistakes!!! The importance is the process, not the final product. If you stick with the process, success will follow.
Look at Hand #1. It could be your left hand, palm facing towards you, or your right hand, palm facing away from you.
Contour lines include not only the outlines, but also the important definition lines that lay within the outline. Once you introduce contour lines as in Hand #2, there is no question that it is your left hand, palm facing away from you.
Those lines imply veins, knuckles, and natural skin texture or natural wrinkles in the hands.
The lines not only describe what it is, but they give it a three dimensional quality when you draw the lines in the right places.
Once you have practiced enough contour drawing, you will naturally internalize them, and they will subconsciously become a part of every drawing you do. The resulting line art drawings will be lifelike and expressive.
Gesture Drawing, Contour Line and Blind contour line rubric
in class completed gesture drawings ____/200
in class completed contour line drawings ____/200
in class completed blind contour line drawings ____/100
Attitude/behavior/ prepared for class ___/100
Proper use and storage of materials ___/50
Total ____/650pts = ____%
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