Teaching Contour

Teenagers are hard on themselves.  They doubt their abilities and don't want to look incompetent in front of their peers.  So teaching them a method like contour drawing that is more than likely going to look wrong or weird the first time out is difficult.  But there are methods to not only teach the method of contour drawing, but to allow adolescent students to feel more comfortable while learning this method.

I would begin by using a powerpoint to explain the concept of a contour line, which would include not only professional examples, but also student examples and my own attempts at contour drawing.  Then, to loosen them up, I would ask them to do a series of blind contour drawings, or drawing the essential contour lines of a subject without looking at the paper or lifting their drawing utensil.  This would also aid in the switching of gears in the student's heads, which would allow them to better understand what a contour line is and how a contour drawing should look.  The subjects of these blind contours would be the students' hands and feet, which they are not only familiar with, but allows them to capture in a private way, not overtly displaying their efforts to their peers, which might make them feel uncomfortable.

              

 

From here, I would have the students do a series of modified contour drawings, which would allow them to look at their paper and lift their drawing utensil, but should still be heavily based on subject observation and not the appearance of the drawing on the paper.  Once the students have done the blind contour, they should have a grasp on what a contour is and how they should draw it.  The subject of these drawings would also be the students' hands and feet, to show the difference in the drawings and the progress of their thinking and drawing skills.

           

 

With the concept of contour down, I would have my students move on to an extended modified contour, which is what it sounds like: a modified contour drawing for a long period of time.  This would obviously require a more complex subject, such as a plant, a typewriter, or even a face.  With the drawings themselves complete, the students could then use them to make more advanced artwork by adding interesting colors and patterns, or by using a technique of soap resist to create a more dynamic look to the artwork.

           

 

This progression of techniques should not only provide an easy transition in the learning process of contour drawing, but it should also keep teenagers interested and engaged in the lesson, which is always the goal when teaching.