Cross Contour: Student Work

The drawings below are a sample of recent student cross contour work. The more rigid, wireframe-like examples are typically introductory exercises where students are working systematically with line of sight for the first time. As the technique develops, students are encouraged to loosen up and take a more intuitive approach — but as with all of these techniques, we have to walk before we can run.

Student drawing (left) with instructor digital edit (right). The cross contour lines in the student drawing do not yet follow the logic of line of sight, and there is no sense that the lines passing around the front of the form continue around the back and meet themselves on the other side. This is one of the most common issues in early cross contour work.

Student drawing (left) with instructor digital edit (right). The edit illustrates how cross contour lines should give the impression of continuous horizontal and vertical passes around the form — each line like a rubber band wrapping around the object in one unbroken loop, meeting itself as it travels around the back.

Reference photo (left), student drawing (center), instructor digital edit (right). The shells are ideal subjects for cross contour work as their surfaces already carry natural contour lines. The edit emphasizes how the drawn lines must work in harmony to reinforce the three-dimensional illusion — each one implying the full volume of the form, not just its visible surface.

Cross Contour: Student Work

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