Figure Drawing: Line and Contour

A common problem with pure contour drawing is that as the tempo of drawing changes, and as we focus in on one small area at a time, it can be difficult to preserve the proportions of the figure. Gradually errors compound and the figure becomes distorted. To remedy this, practice using structural composition methods. With familiarity, you find that you can make these judgments instinctively. The proportions of the figure are maintained by visualizing landmarks prior to drawing, and by continually checking against the line one has already drawn.

In this example, drawn by Sharon McKeeman, you can see how the artist has rapidly sketched the key structures of the figure before describing the contour with a few elegantly descriptive lines.