Contours / Drawing with Compelling Contours & Foreshortening

Learn to Draw: Master the Art & Science of Drawing

Discover that drawing is a skill, not a talent! This comprehensive series is designed for aspiring painters, graphic designers, illustrators, and all artists looking to build a strong foundation in art and design – starting with drawing.

CONTOURS: Advanced Drawing Techniques

CONTOURS is the fifth course in the acclaimed Art & Science of Drawing series. Progress from basic drawing techniques to advanced drawing skills, including perspective drawing and shading. This course focuses on creating complex, volumetric forms using three types of contour lines:

• Outside Contours: Learn to accurately capture the basic shape of any subject.
• Inner Contours & Overlaps: Add depth and dimension to your drawings by depicting internal forms and overlapping elements.
• Cross Contour Lines: Create the illusion of volume and deep space by skillfully using intersecting lines.

By the end of this course, you'll confidently draw any form by combining different contour line techniques. You'll also master foreshortening, a highly sought-after drawing skill for creating realistic perspective.

In this course, you will learn:

• How to craft compelling contour drawings.
• How to use overlaps and inner contours to create the illusion of volume.
• How to draw using cross contour lines to describe the topography of a subject in detail.
• How to use atmospheric perspective to create a strong sense of depth in your drawings.
• How to effectively use foreshortening in your artwork.

A Step-by-Step Approach to Drawing

CONTOURS is structured for learning one day at a time. Each lesson features a short video introducing an essential drawing skill, followed by recommended practice exercises. Throughout the course, you'll complete a series of drawing exercises focusing on different measuring techniques. You'll develop a wide range of drawing techniques by the end.

This course provides powerful insights into the drawing process and offers clear, accessible drawing instruction – techniques often not taught in traditional art academies.

Recommended Course Order (Beginner to Advanced):

• The Art & Science of Drawing: BASIC SKILLS / Getting Started with Drawing
• DYNAMIC MARK MAKING / Drawing with Expression & Creativity
• FORM & SPACE / 3D Drawing & Perspective
• MEASURING & PROPORTION / Drawing with Accuracy & Precision
• CONTOURS / Drawing with Compelling Contours & Foreshortening
• SHADING FUNDAMENTALS / Drawing with Dramatic Light and Shadow
• SHADING BEYOND THE BASICS / Shade Any Subject No Matter How Complex

For Experienced Artists: Feel free to mix and match courses to fit your individual learning style!

Additional Resources:

• Brent's Drawing Books: The Art & Science of Drawing: Learn to Observe, Analyze and Draw Any Subject (available in paperback and Kindle) and The Drawing Laboratory (a comprehensive series with new skills and projects).
• FAQ: Find answers to frequently asked questions here.
• YouTube Channel: Explore additional drawing fundamentals tutorials on Brent's YouTube Channel.