Contour Drawing, Continued
Negative
contour
Negative contour is drawing the outline of the negative space surrounding an
object as opposed to a positive contour drawing of the object itself. To draw
in negative contour, look at the shape of the space around the object. Draw
the space without consciously drawing the object outline. Negative contour
drawings suggest the presence of objects. Negative contour drawings
develop a sense of space, not only the space the object occupies but also the
space around the object and the object’s relationships to other elements in the
area.
Figure 3-5 is an example of a negative contour drawing.
Figure 3-5.—A drawing of a telephone in negative contour.
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