The Benefits of Blind Contour Drawing
So first of all let me explain what blind contour drawing is.
It is an exercise to develop eye-hand coordination and to develop your drawing skills. Blind contour drawing will sharpen your observation skills as it forces you to look at the subject. and for those who approach the technique with patience, it can even be a calming exercise. It can be like a meditation, an opportunity to slow down and stay in the moment.
There are two basic rules; once you place your pen on the starting point you don’t lift it and while you are observing and drawing you don’t look at your paper.
It is a great way to practice your drawing skills and can be done anywhere. Tuck a small sketchbook and pen in your purse or glove box so you can pull it out when you have a few minutes between appointments or are waiting to pick someone up.
So let’s get started;
Give yourself a set amount of time to draw: I like to do quick sketches of 2-3 minutes. You can go longer but keep it under 10 minutes and set your timer!
Find a starting place to begin, and set the tip of your pen (I like using a sharpie) down onto your page. I use a large sheet of sketchbook paper or inexpensive drawing paper.
Focus your eyes on the same point as your pen is on and begin following the contours of the subject.
As you draw, feel free to shift from one subject to the next but don’t lift your pen.
Resist the urge to look at the page, this can disrupt your focus and cause your inner critic to intervene!
If you are really brave try your non-dominant hand.
When you look at your drawing you may notice lines and marks that you have never drawn before.
These may inform some marks in your future work.
I hope you will give it a try!