1. Contour Line A contour is the outer edge or profile of an object
Contour lines can suggest a volume in space by giving us clues about the changing character of a surface

2. 1.15 Egon Schiele, Portrait of the Artist’s Wife, Standing, with Hands on Hips, Black crayon on paper, 18 x 11¼”. Private collection

3. Egon Schiele, Portrait of the Artist’s Wife, Standing, with Hands on Hips
The work is drawn almost entirely using contour lines
Fingers and shirtsleeves are drawn with great economy
Lines of hair vary in thickness and regularity
Lines suggest an organic surface
Machine-like pattern of clothing, contrasting with the other lines, helps to reinforce expression of organic surface

4. Types of Lines: Contour Line
Edge indicated indirectly
Artist draws lines to indicate volume
Contour lines: volumes that make lines appear as they curve away
Henri Gaudier-Brzeska
Female Nude, Back View, c 1912

5. Contour Line: 3D form with volume
(This includes outlines)
Outline: creates 2D form

6. What is a Contour?
Contour means “outline”, and presents exterior edges of objects, shapes and forms. A contour is also considered an edge. A plain contour has a clean, connected line, no shading and emphasizes an open “shell” of an subject. More complex contours can imply shading values through interior outlines, may have line texture or be contrasted with mixed media. Where gesture drawing is fast, contour is slow and more deliberate.

7. In Class Exercise:
Visual training is the purpose and accuracy the goal. No erasing is used
Begin with a focal point on the object and continue concentration as if the eyes were drawing the image. The pencil, once placed on the paper stays there moving in a slow line development until the entire contour is completed. Eyes focus from object to paper without head movement. Take your time!