Exercise Blind Contour Art Drawing for hand eye coordination practice

Hey there, fellow doodlers and aspiring artists! Are you ready to embark on a wild and wacky adventure into the world of blind contour drawing? Buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into one of the quirkiest, most challenging, and downright hilarious art exercises out there.

What the Heck is Blind Contour Drawing?

So, you may be wondering, what exactly is blind contour drawing? Well, strap in, because it's about to get weird. Blind contour drawing is a drawing exercise where you sketch a subject without looking at your paper. Yep, you heard that right – no peeking allowed! Instead, you focus all your attention on the subject, tracing its contours and details with your eyes while your hand follows along on the paper.

The Art of Congruent Hand-Eye Coordination

Now, I know what you're thinking – "But wait, won't my drawing turn out like a hot mess if I can't see what I'm doing?" Ah, my friend, that's where the magic happens. Blind contour drawing isn't about creating a photorealistic masterpiece (although that would be pretty darn impressive). It's about honing your hand-eye coordination, sharpening your observational skills, and embracing the joy of imperfection.

Concentration, Grasshopper, Concentration

To master the art of blind contour drawing, you must channel your inner Zen master and achieve a state of deep concentration. Focus your gaze on the subject with laser-like precision, soaking in every curve, every line, every little detail. Feel the connection between your eyes and your hand as you trace the contours of the subject with unwavering focus.

Let Loose and Get Wacky

Now, here's where things start to get really fun. With your concentration at peak levels, it's time to let loose and get wacky with your drawing tool of choice – whether it's a pencil, a brush, or even a stylus. Don't worry about making mistakes or getting everything just right. This exercise is all about embracing the chaos and letting your creativity run wild.

Tips for Success (Or at Least Not Total Disaster)

Okay, so you're ready to give blind contour drawing a whirl. But before you dive in headfirst, here are a few tips to help you navigate the wild and wacky world of blind contour drawing like a pro:

  1. Start Simple: Choose a subject that's relatively simple and easy to draw – like a piece of fruit, a houseplant, or even your own hand. As you gain confidence, you can work your way up to more complex subjects.
  2. Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Take your time and don't rush. Blind contour drawing is all about precision and focus, so don't be afraid to go slow and steady as you trace the contours of your subject.
  3. Embrace Imperfection: Remember, perfection is overrated. Embrace the quirks and imperfections of your drawing, and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself along the way. After all, art is all about having fun and expressing yourself.

The Joy of Discovery

As you delve deeper into the world of blind contour drawing, you'll discover a newfound sense of freedom and spontaneity in your artwork. You'll learn to trust your instincts, embrace imperfection, and let your creativity run wild. But remember, this isn't just a wacky isolated exercise – it's a crucial step in your self-taught art journey.

Elevating Your Skills to New Heights

Blind contour drawing isn't just about creating wacky doodles (although that's definitely part of the fun). It's about honing key skills that will elevate your art to new heights. By practicing congruent hand-eye coordination, you'll improve your ability to translate what you see onto the page with precision and accuracy. You'll sharpen your observational skills, learning to recognize and define intricate details in your subjects with ease. And most importantly, you'll cultivate a deep sense of trust in your own artistic instincts, empowering you to tackle any creative challenge that comes your way.

Embrace the Chaos, Embrace the Growth

So, the next time you feel the urge to doodle like a ninja, don't hesitate to break out your trusty pencil and give blind contour drawing a whirl. Embrace the chaos, embrace the imperfection, and most importantly, embrace the growth. With each wacky doodle you create, you'll be one step closer to unlocking your full artistic potential and taking your self-taught art journey to new heights. So go ahead – let the wackiness begin!

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Posted by: ThisSelfTaughtArtist
Posted on: September 8th, 2023

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This Self-taught Artist enjoys drawing, creating sequential art, and the 2D visual arts in general. Loves the feel of pencil on paper but these days find that the digital stylus empowers creativity on a completely different level. This Self-taught Artist is continuously learning about and practicing the visual arts and is always amazed at how many things there are still to learn. Also enjoys sharing these learnings for not only so the learning sticks, but so that others may also find it useful and helpful in their self-taught visual art journey.