The Secrets to Drawing

8/13/2019 The Secrets to Drawing

1/4Copyright (c) 2013 The Secrets to Drawing

Video 2: LineLineis one of the seven elements of art. In terms of art, line is a moving dot. Line hasa variety of uses and functions. It can be used by artists to create the illusion ofmovement, show where objects begin and end, create the illusion of value andshadow, and create the illusion of form. Understanding line and its uses in drawing isthe first step to drawing better.

Begin experimenting with line by simply making as many different lines as you can thinkup using a drawing pencil. Hold the pencil in different ways and use the side of thepencil to create unique marks.

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Using Line in Drawings

A line has many functions. One ofits primary functions in drawing isinforming a viewer where anobject begins or ends. It can alsoinform us of details that may existon that object. These lines arecalled contour lines.

Contour linesare the outlines ofan object. These include the linesthat may exist on the inside of theobject. Contour lines are usuallyactual observed lines, but can also

be lines that are perceivedbecause of a contrast in value.

A drawing that is created usingonly the outlines of an object iscalled a contour line drawing.

Line drawings become moreinteresting and informative whenwe use a variety of lines and linewidths. Line qualityrefers to thethickness or thinness of a line.

By varying the line quality, we cancreate the illusion of form andshadow. If we make the contourlines thicker in areas of shadow,or where our object gets wider,

we can create this illusion.

Adding line quality to a drawingalso adds some variety to thedrawing. Variety adds interest toan image and makes it moreengaging to viewers.


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Blind Contour Line Drawing - A blindcontour line drawing is created bydrawing an objects contour lines(outlines) while looking at the object100% of the time. The artist uses onecontinuous line to complete the drawing.It is best to start at a location on theobject with your eyes and slowly moveyour pencil at the same speed that youmove your pencil over the drawingsurface. Blind contour line drawings willimprove hand-eye coordination.

Contour Line Drawing - After somepractice with blind contour line drawing,you are ready to draw the contours ofthe same object by observing the object50% of the time. Remember - Drawingis at least 50% observation. Move youreyes back and forth from the object tothe paper, and record the informationthat you observe on your object in yourdrawing. Use only contour lines in this

exercise.

Enhance the Line Quality - Now payspecial attention to areas on yourobject where the object may becomethicker or may have areas of shadow.

On your contour line drawing, enhancethe line quality by making the lines inthese areas thicker. Doing this willmake your drawing more interesting bycreating the illusion of form and valueand add a bit of variety to the image.

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Cross contour linesare real or implied lines that follow the form of the object. Crosscontour lines are important in drawing because they help artists understand the directionthat strokes should be made when applying material. Cross contour lines can be used toindicate shadow and create the illusion of form.

In the example above, noconsideration is given to the crosscontour lines. Although the hatchingin the drawing is describing theshadow and light, it is doing little todescribe the form of the object.

In the example above, the crosscontour lines have been consideredand the hatching marks conform tothe form of object. In this case, thehatching in the drawing is describingthe shadow, light, and form.

Above, the blending is added usingstraight strokes. Although it informsus of the shadow and light. Theillusion of form could be improved.

By adding the blending withconsideration to the cross contourlines, the illusion of form is improved.

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The Secrets to Drawing