Lesson 3: Countour Line

How can you use line to define the form and volume of an artwork?

How can line create design through the balance of space?

How can variation and repetition enhance the complexity of a line design?

Contour Line: A line that defines the edges and surface ridges of an object.

Blind Contour: A drawing exercise where the artist looks only at the object, never the paper.

Continuous Line: A drawing done without lifting the pencil from the paper.

Positive Space: The area occupied by the primary subject or object.

Negative Space: The empty area surrounding or between the subjects.

Line Variation: Changes in line thickness, pressure, or width to create depth.

Still Life: A painting or drawing of an arrangement of inanimate objects.

VA:CR:HS:1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
VA:RE:HS:9: Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work

Evidence-Based Analysis: Like the SAT Reading section, contour drawing requires identifying "visual evidence" rather than relying on assumptions.

Pattern Recognition: Recognizing repetition in line design mirrors the ability to identify structural patterns in SAT Writing passages.

Visual-Spatial Reasoning: Translating 3D forms to a 2D surface supports the spatial intelligence needed for SAT Math geometry.

Learning Plan:

Students will use a sketchbook to practice and refine contour and continuous line techniques.

Students will apply these concepts toward a finished still life drawing focusing on space and variation.

Students will respond and reflect through critique on their use of positive and negative space.

Progress assessed through pre/post tests and class rubrics.

DOK Level: Level 2 (Skill/Concept).

Adinkra Symbols (Ghana): Exploring how line defines specific cultural proverbs and concepts through stylized, symbolic shapes.

Wire Sculpture & Jewelry: Identifying how industrial designers and artists use a "continuous line" of wire to define form in 3D space.

Topographical Mapping: Analyzing how contour lines are used in geography to represent elevation and the 3D shape of the Earth’s surface.

Continuous line and contour drawing is a "test" of perfection rather than an exercise in observation.

Negative space is "empty" or unimportant to the overall design.

Lesson delivery: Visual exemplars, written instructions, and live demonstrations via Google Classroom.

Check work in progress and provide immediate, individualized feedback.

Provide high-contrast lighting for still life objects to help students identify edges more easily.

Performance Task:

What skills will be assessed?

The ability to use line to define elements (form) and principles (balance of space).

Demonstrated improvement in observational accuracy and line variation.

What specific aspects of task will be assessed?

Individual project evaluation based on project objectives.

Critique assessed through the Fine Arts Critique Rubric.

• Visual Exemplars of contour and continuous line drawings.

• Demonstration tools: Document camera, SMART Board, Google Classroom.

• Physical Materials: Drawing paper, pencils, pens, ink, erasers, and rulers.

• Still Life Objects: Various items for direct observation.