The Art & Science of Drawing / CONTOURS

Mastering Volume in Drawing: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlock the secrets to creating realistic, three-dimensional drawings with this in-depth course on contour lines. Learn to effectively describe complex volumetric form using three essential types of contour lines.

This course breaks down the process into manageable steps:

• Crafting Detailed Outside Contours: Develop a strong foundation by learning to accurately define the outer edges of any subject.
• Drawing Inner Contours & Overlaps: Add depth and complexity to your drawings by mastering the art of depicting inner forms and overlapping shapes. This is key to conveying true depth and dimension.
• Utilizing Cross Contour Lines: Create the illusion of volume and deep space through the strategic application of cross contour lines. This technique is crucial for achieving a realistic and dynamic look.

By the end of this course, you'll have a complete understanding of how to combine different contour line techniques to draw any form, and you'll be introduced to foreshortening, a highly valuable skill for adding realism and perspective to your artwork.

This course is part of THE ART & SCIENCE of DRAWING, an 8-part series designed to teach you how to draw one day at a time. Each day features a short video lesson and practical exercises, making learning accessible and effective. THE ART & SCIENCE of DRAWING offers clear, insightful instruction rarely found outside of established art academies.

Why is this course important?

Drawing is a fundamental skill for all artists, including painters. Many master painters emphasize the importance of strong drawing skills. This course is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their drawing abilities, and it's an excellent stepping stone for those who also want to learn to paint.

Course Series Recommendation:

• Beginner: Start with the full series in order: Basic Skills, Dynamic Mark Making, Form & Space, Measuring & Proportion, Contours, Shading Fundamentals, Shading: Beyond the Basics.
• Experienced: Feel free to mix and match courses from THE ART & SCIENCE of DRAWING to focus on specific skills and areas of improvement.