CraZy SelF PorTrait Blind Contour Drawing
Challenge:
Create a large-scale self-portrait using the blind contour drawing technique. Divide the page up into 5 sections and balance the sections with 1/3 Color, 1/3 valued Patterns, and a 1/3 black -white value range.
Materials:
Pencil, 18 x 24 Drawing Paper, colored pencils, sharpie
Steps:
1. Practice several blind contour drawings of different objects (hands, shoes, stuff in your pocket, etc.)
Remember the following for your contour drawings
Follow along edges SLOWLY—ONE INCH PER MINUTE (APPX)
Record ALL the details—every nook, cranny, crevice, bump, and valley that you see along the edge
Keep ONE smooth continuous line as you don’t pick up your drawing utensil
Learn to TRUST YOUR EYES
2. Using a mirror practice drawing several self-portraits with the blind contour technique
3. On a large piece of paper draw a large scale self-portrait with the blind contour technique
4. Divide the page up into a minimum of 5 sections using straight lines.
5. Choose a color palette that describes your personality: Earth tones, Jewel tones, Opposites, Warm and cool, pastels, primary, analogous, etc….
6. Balance each section with 1/3 color, 1/3 valued patterns, and 1/3 black-white value range.
Limitations:
o CONCENTRATE ON OBSERVING YOUR SUBJECT MATTER--ABSOLUTELY NO LOOKING AT YOUR PAPER…It doesn’t matter what the end result is, this is about helping you learn to trust your eyes.
o You must be able to see your face! It cannot be camouflaged into the background!
Grading:
-You gave a sense of space and placement by considering your background, foreground, and middle ground
Methods, Tools and Techniques
-Your line quality is smooth throughout the drawing--not broken or sketch-like—because you didn’t pick up your pen
-Your careful observation results in EVERY detail being recorded--every nook and cranny, etc. was recorded