What Does It Mean to Say a Line Is Continuous in Art

A continuous line drawing is one in which a single, unbroken line is used to develop the image. Although mostly created as an exercise, many continuous line drawings can stand on their own as finished works of art.

As an exercise, continuous line drawing forces the creative person to closely observe the perceived lines of the field of study. While focused generally on describing the contours, shadows and course can likewise be communicated depending on the approach taken.

Why Create Continuous Line Drawings

Aside from the fact that a continuous line drawing can be a piece of work of art in its own right, it is also a worthy drawing exercise for developing paw-heart coordination and ascertainment skills. Every bit artists, we need to spend a bit of time in practise to farther develop our cartoon skills.

Simple line drawings such as these can exist created in whatsoever environment and do not require a hefty time investment. A sketchbook could be filled with them in a matter of days.  About drawings merely require a few minutes to do good from the exercise.

Any marking-making tool tin be used, but pens, markers, and graphite pencils are well-nigh commonly used.

The "Rules" for Continuous Line Drawing

While there should never be a set of rules for making art, there are a few parameters to make the drawing exercise most effective.

The outset affair you lot should recognize is that no drawing will exist perfect. With continuous line cartoon, the imperfections will be very clear. Nonetheless, it is often these very same imperfections that brand the drawings so visually interesting. So, instead of fugitive the imperfections of the mark, embrace them and let them to add a flake of character to the finish result.

Ok, now to the "rules"...

1. One time you place your pen or pencil on the surface, exercise not remove it until the drawing is complete. Your goal is to describe the subject with one, singular line. It can become thicker and thinner in areas, but it should never break.
2. Try to motility your mitt at a similar speed in which y'all observe the discipline with your eyes. This will help to create more authentic proportions and shapes. Simply remember, perfection is non attainable.
3. Do not erase. Get out the imperfections and let them exist a human element in your work. (As humans, we are attracted to artifacts that are clearly made past other humans.)
4. Repeat. Do several drawings in 1 sitting and endeavour different tools. You may find that y'all are more than comfortable completing the exercise with a graphite pencil instead of an ink pen or vice versa.

*A continuous line drawing is slightly different from a blind contour line drawing. A bullheaded profile line drawing is a continuous line drawing, simply the artist does not look at the drawing surface, just at the bailiwick.

A Suggested Exercise

Don't be fooled. Creating a successful continuous line drawing is a little trickier than it may look. Certain, the finished result is rather simple, just the simplicity actually makes its a challenge.

Your choice of subject besides plays a role. I would suggest working with a subject that will claiming you, but nevertheless has articulate lines and areas of contrast to piece of work with. Subjects in low low-cal will bear witness to exist difficult because all of the lines may not be conspicuously visible.

Ane subject area that is always great to work with is with yous all the time - right at the end of your arms. Your hands are perfect as subjects for drawing because they present an "attainable" challenge. Plus, they can be configured in countless positions.

For the above exercise, draw your manus from three dissimilar positions, but keep the pencil on the surface throughout the procedure. Endeavor to draw all three hands with but ane line, irresolute the positions of your hand while yous draw. Remember, it'due south okay if the proportions become a footling distorted.

Why Do is Important

Cartoon is a skill that requires practice. Just similar other skills, you need to practice your mind to ameliorate your cartoon from time to time. Creating a continuous line drawing is a smashing exercise to just that.

So grab that sketchbook and offset having some fun and improve your observational skills at the same time.

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Source: https://thevirtualinstructor.com/continuous-line-drawing.html