Blind Contour Drawing
A Proven Way to Increase Drawing Skills
Blind contour drawing is a proven method to increase eye/hand coordination, improve observation and advance drawing skills.
As an elementary art teacher it also satisfies two TEKS: Strand 1Perception, 108(L), identify contour and gesture lines, and Strand 2, Creative Perception 206(L), create contour and gesture lines in a work of art.
Simply put, the student draws a subject by looking at the edges and simultaneously drawing the same thing with out looking at the paper or drawing hand. You need something to draw, two pieces of paper and a pencil. One paper is for drawing and the other for covering your drawing hand.
The old school method follows. First, using your finger, draw your subject in the air for a warm up. Second, poke a hole in one piece of paper with your pencil. This piece can be a scrap. Once the student gets the hang of the process they can dispense with this step. Third, place your drawing hand under the paper and hold the pencil that is through the hole. Pick a spot on your subject, place your pencil on the drawing paper and begin to draw the outside edges of your subject. Draw very slowly without looking at your paper.
The object isn’t to make a pretty drawing, it’s to focus attention.
A new, user friendly technology for blind contour drawing is OSMO for ipads. It demystifies the process for younger students. A video demonstration will follow.
Here are questions to ponder:
How can I use this drawing method to increase observation in my students?
Can increasing eye/hand coordination benefit other areas of my students learning?
Will better drawing make a difference in student learning?
Will an increase in focus really make a difference in learning other things such as science, math, reading?
I hope the following links will help clarify this subject and maybe entice you to give it a try.