Lines are a basic element of visual art that can be used to define contours, volumes, movement, and patterns. They can have direction, suggest emotion, and create psychological effects. For example, horizontal lines feel calm while diagonal lines feel dynamic. Blind contour drawings involve tracing an object's contours without looking at the paper, in order to focus observation and develop a connection between the hand and brain. Examples are provided.

3. Line can create volume

4. Line can create movement

5. Lines can create movement

7. Lines create pattern and shape

12. Blind Contour Drawings

13. Blind Contour Drawings Blind contour drawings are an exercise in concentrating on the contours of an object and to avoid looking at your paper. You should not look at the drawing until you are finished. To create a blind contour drawing, imagine that the point of your drawing tool is actually moving slowing like an ant crawling over a giant landscape of objects. Move inch by inch along the edges of the shapes, over the hills and into the cracks and valleys of the landscape. Your drawing will be the map of your journey. You will move your eyes and hand at the same speed, slowly over the landscape of the person you are drawing.

14. Don’t lift your drawing tool from the paper until your are finished. Blind contour drawing helps you closely observe the structure of the person you are drawing and makes you more sensitive to detail. You will also capture proportions and develop a connection between your drawing hand and the part of your brain that causes you to see the whole image of your subject. Remember that most blind contour drawings appear distorted. Your assignment is to create at least 3 blind contour drawings of 3 different classmates. You will have 5 minutes to complete each one. Remember don’t look at the paper and don’t lift your drawing tool from the paper until you are finished. Have fun!! Below are some examples of blind contour drawings.