Contour Sketches

This type of sketch is also called a continuous line sketch because you draw with one continuous line, drawing outlines and defining value areas. Don’t worry about accuracy. This is a fun exercise for loosening up before you draw, and it will sharpen your observation skills. Add more of a challenge by blocking your view of the sketch in progress, letting your hand guess at what the pencil line looks like on the paper. This is called blind contour sketching.

Continuous Line Sketch

Once you start moving your pencil, don’t lift it until the sketch is done.

Blind Contour Sketch

This sketch was done by observing the subject without looking at the drawing paper. Block your view of the sketch with a piece of cardboard until you’re finished.

Blind Contour Sketches Help You Understand Your Subject

No one expects contour sketches to be identifiable. As Mary worked through this sketch, she gained a real understanding of the contours of her coffee cup.