Contour Shoe Drawing

 

This shoe was done with a technique called contour line drawing. In doing this technique, the artist is supposed to draw all the lines and creases in the object, without picking up their pen. This is much more than just a simple outline! Although this may sound tricky and tedious, the contour technique is a valuable skill that can help to enhance an artist's abilities. In drawing a contour, an artist learns to look at the lines, folds and depressions of an object, helping to see the true shape. This can prepare an artist to succeed at shading, because shading should fit the shape of the object drawn. Shading value is, in my opinion, the most important element of art, because it adds dimension and is the first step in bringing a work of art to life. Contour drawing can help you get to this step, and if done well, can produce just as satisfying a product as a fully - shaded piece.