There are elements I like about this example, which I drew a long time ago - the handling of the hair and the curve of the hip - although the overall drawing doesn't quite work. However, this sort of exploratory drawing can lead a student to discover new ways of dealing with line and form. It is particularly useful for investigating the connection between the figure and the surrounding objects and spaces.
Figure Drawing: Line and Contour
By Helen South, About.com
Exploratory line is, as the name implies, an indirect approach to the contour, 'looking for' the line through space. Adjacent lines are followed until they intersect the contour, the edge is between the figure and the background is described and then destroyed. The eraser is used to cut across marks, 'knocking them back' before drawing further into the form.
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- Figure Drawing: Line and Contour
- Gestural Structure
- Short-pose contour drawing
- Continuous line
- Exploratory Line
- Contour drawing with selective tone
- Expressive line
Explore Drawing / Sketching
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