Draw a subject without looking at their paper, focusing solely on the contours of the object or person they are drawing. Blind contour drawing - art therapy exercise promotes mindfulness, hand-eye coordination, and acceptance of imperfection.
Materials Needed
Drawing Paper: Use plain white paper or sketch paper for your blind contour drawing.
Drawing Utensil: You'll need a drawing utensil such as a pencil, pen, or charcoal. Choose one that you're comfortable with and that will leave a visible mark on the paper.
Subject: Select a subject to draw. This could be a still life arrangement, a portrait of a person, or even your own hand.
Instructions
Prepare Your Materials: Get your drawing paper and drawing utensil ready.
Choose a Subject: Decide what you want to draw. Keep in mind that the purpose of blind contour drawing is to focus on the contours and shapes of the subject rather than creating a detailed representation.
Position Yourself and Your Subject: Sit or stand in a comfortable position where you can see both your drawing paper and the subject you're drawing. Make sure your subject is well-lit and positioned at a comfortable distance from you.
Start Drawing: Without looking at your paper, begin drawing the contours of your subject. Keep your eyes focused on the subject as you draw, and let your hand follow the lines and shapes that you observe.
Draw Slowly and Deliberately: Take your time with each contour, drawing slowly and deliberately. Pay close attention to the edges and curves of the subject as you draw.
Complete Your Drawing: Continue drawing until you feel you've captured the essence of the subject. Don't worry about mistakes or imperfections—blind contour drawing is more about the process than the outcome.
Reflect on Your Drawing: Once you've finished, take a moment to reflect on your drawing. Notice the lines and shapes that you've created, and consider how they represent the subject you were drawing.
Optional: If you'd like, you can repeat the blind contour drawing exercise with a different subject to further practice your observation skills and hand-eye coordination.
Tips for Blind Contour Drawing - Art Therapy Exercise
Try to relax and let go of any expectations you have about the final result. Blind contour drawing is meant to be a fun and experimental exercise.
Embrace imperfections and quirks in your drawing. These can add character and uniqueness to your artwork.
Experiment with different drawing utensils and subjects to keep the exercise engaging and enjoyable.
Remember that blind contour drawing is as much about the process of observation as it is about the act of drawing. Focus on really seeing your subject rather than worrying about how your drawing looks.