Lesson Summary
A cross-contour line drawing is a fundamental art exercise designed to enhance a student's understanding of three-dimensional form by focusing on the subtle curvatures of an object's surface. This activity strengthens observational skills and adds depth to an artist's drawings. Throughout the class, students will apply this technique to various subjects, including fruits, objects, and other items.
Lesson Objectives
Gain insight into the concept and purpose of cross-contour line drawing.
Enhance observational skills through practice and application.
Develop a better understanding of three-dimensional form, resulting in drawings with increased depth and realism.
Discussion
Describe the concept of a cross-contour line drawing and its intended purpose.
How does engaging in cross-contour line drawing exercises contribute to enhancing an artist’s drawing skills?
Which professionals within the field of art can derive benefits from incorporating cross-contour line drawing into their practice?
3D modelers, architects, sculptors, industrial designers, and fine artists can all derive valuable benefits from engaging in cross-contour line drawing exercises.
What you do
Choose a subject. Select a fruit or object and make an accurate line drawing of it with a pencil in its actual size. Incorporate line weight in your drawing.
Contour Lines. Draw contour lines following the surface of your subject. Observe the surface closely to capture its subtle curvatures. *The distance of each contour line can indicate the size of the object.
Markers. Select a colour marker that is a darker shade of your subject and trace the pencil lines.
Color. Color your object using colored pencils. Start with the lighter undertones first, and then layer the darker colors over them. This will make the colors look deep and rich.
Shade. Afterwards shade the shadows on your fruit. You may even include a cast shadow on the surface underneath it.
Cross-Contour Line Drawings of Fruit
Cross-Contour Line Drawings of Objects
Other Subjects
If you feel you’ve mastered this exercise, try a cross-contour line drawing of a hand, head, animal or something from your imagination, such as an animation character.
Terminology
Cross-contour Line Drawing — Is an art technique where lines are drawn across the surface of an object to convey its form and how it curves or bends. These lines follow the shape and curves of the object, thereby creating a sense of volume on a flat two-dimensional surface.
3D Modeler —Digitally builds and sculpts to 3D characters, vehicles, and sets.