Other Life-Cross Contour

Assignment Description

In this assignment, we observed the natural form and curvature of the human body using analog/ digital components to create a cross contour drawing of a figure. To create contour lines across the body, we had to consider how wide or narrow the stripes would undulate according to where they are pinching and turning around the form and separate parts of the figure. Considering perspective to the chosen figure, we had to read through the contours of the body so that they can be read spatially.

Process 1

First, I chose a photographic image of a model with high resolution to print onto 18 x 24 paper.

I enlarged the image to print onto at least 18 x 24 paper to get a clearer and precise line of the body. Then, I used a sheet of drafting Film Matte matter and placed it over my enlarged printout. I drew the outline of the contours on the film matte paper in pencil to easily make corrections.

Image result for sheet of drafting film matte paper blick

 

Process 2

 

 

As I was drawing the cross contours of the body, I cinched parts of the form where the model is either bending or slouching. Following the natural curves and angles of the body, I drew the lines to read around the form seamlessly and naturally, without distorting the original form of the model. Especially in areas by the bend of the knees and arch of the back, I curved the lines to follow the natural shape of the body and to indicate what part of the body was leaning or bending.

For the smaller portions of the body such as the fingers and the feet, I drew more curves to wrap around the form to show were the toes and fingers were located. After going over the outlines in pencil, I used a sharpie and micro pen to fill in the stripes. Then, I scanned them.

 

Process 3

 

Lastly, I uploaded the scanned image onto photoshop to clean up the edges of the lines. I filled in and erased any part where the scan may missed or blurred. Then, I retouches areas I wanted to fix and finalized the image by cropping out some negative space.

 

Reflection

While drawing the contours of the body, I had to read through the form and register how the lines would be read spatially. If the lines were too flat or too coherent with the other lines of the body, the contours could be misread and the form can appear confusing or disfigured in relation with the other parts of the body. Reversing the black and white between different masses  as well as using upward or downward curves through separate parts of the body helped distinguish the different forms, especially by the arm and the torso area. Overall, this assignment helped me be able to see through form and imagine where the contour lines would follow to draw out the shape of the human body without having to fill negative space.

 

Final

Working analog/digitally benefited the final output of the piece. The negative space surrounding the figure and the contrast of the black helps the viewer imagine the outline of the body and register the position and natural weight of the figure. Using cross contours helped me understand how lines wrapped across forms in relation to negative space as well as learn how to create an image that can be read accurately and spatially  to viewers.

1 Comment

  1. mattisd · December 12, 2018 Reply

    Elle, Excellent upload. I enjoy seeing all of your steps unfold and your materials.

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