Learning to see (part 2): Modified Blind contours

In part 2 we’re going to take it to the next step in learning to see properly with modified blind contours.

If you haven’t already, please start with the blind contour. Shortcuts will only hurt yourself in the long run; please don’t cheat yourself.

The process
Step 1: sit comfortaby with your favorite drawing pencil/pen/charcoal/whatever and a pad of paper

Step 2: turn your head AWAY from your drawing surface and look at your object (your non-drawing hand should work just fine). Difficulty: hold something in your hand (your choice)

Step 3: only move your pencil as your eye moves on the surface/contours of the object and your hand. This time, you MAY look at your drawing; however, you may NOT move your pencil while looking at your paper, ONLY move your pencil while looking at the drawing

IMPORTANT: your drawing will most likely look funny. You will make mistakes in proportion, relation, size, etc. because you’re going all-out the first time, no erasing, no do-overs (that’s “no mulligans” for you golfer-types). This is okay – if your drawing is perfect, then you cheated. No cheating. I will know and you will not build the nerve connections required.

Example:

What’s in it for me?
You might be asking yourself, “Self, why am I drawing funny looking hands? Does this guy know what he’s talking about?” Yes, I do know, and you’re NOT drawing funny hands, you are training your eye to see. You are building nerve connections that didn’t exist before. You are honing an ability to move that pencil properly. These basic exercises CANNOT be overemphasized.

Observations
Your drawing should NOT have “sketchy” lines – that is, you should NOT be moving your pencil back and forth in short little motions. Lots of people new to drawing do this. Please don’t be one of them. You should hold your pencil relatively far back and mostly flat to the paper, not like you hold it for writing. Yes, there IS a right way and it’s there for a reason: control and intention. You’re here because you want to get better, right? Then at least try my way for a while before you curse my name, yeah?

Writing grip:

Drawing grip:

Drawing grip (alternate):

Homework:
10-20 minutes of blind contours
10-20 minutes of modified blind contours

Part 3: Pure Contours
With that, I’ll leave you to your modified blind contours until we meet again for part 3: Pure Contours. Now the good stuff really starts and, if you’ve been honest and diligent, you’ll really start to see rapid progress.