​Cross-contours are lines that are drawn ACROSS an object (NOT the outline). Cross contour lines may be horizontal or vertical, or both, but they always describe the form (three-dimensionality of an object or surface). An object is viewed from a particular angle and represented in a linear fashion so that it appears three dimensional on paper (If you have ever seen the early stages of a computer animation, the wireframes look similar to cross-contour drawing.).

Assignment:
Make a cross-contour drawing of two BELL PEPPERS, drawn from life. Concentrate on capturing the three-dimensional structure of the objects using just contour and cross-contour lines.

Directions:

• The objects should be positioned so that some will just slightly overlap each other in your drawing, but so that they will be clearly in your view.
• Draw large, to fill the entire page.

Objectives:

• Improve accuracy in capturing contour and proportion of an observed object.
• Draw the three-dimensional nature of the object using just line.
• Emphasize the structure of a simple organic form using line.

Materials:

• Graphite (Use 2B, 4B and 6B)
• Pink eraser
• Pencil sharpener
• Drawing paper - sketchbook size (11 x 14", 60 lb. paper) or larger

Parameters

• Use the entire picture plane.
• Make this a "portfolio-worthy" drawing.

Grading Criteria:

• Quality of line (smooth, continuous lines, not sketchy)
• Realism of contour and proportion
• Realism of structure
• Design of the page
• Overall beauty of the drawing

To Start:

1. Buy the peppers.
2. As you begin, consider how the larger shapes should be arranged within the picture plane.
3. Start with a light line, using the 2B pencil, to capture accurate contour (line) and proportion exactly as you observe them. 
4. Draw cross-contour lines carefully and accurately to describe the three-dimensional nature of the peppers (This may look like a wireframe in computer animation.)

Due Date:
Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Project Description:
A contour drawing of two BELL PEPPERS and an open paper bag, drawn from life. Concentrate on capturing the three-dimensional structure of the objects using just line.

The examples above show lemons, of course. You will be using BELL PEPPERS.

​

Directions:
The objects should be positioned so that some will just slightly overlap each other in your drawing, but so that they will be clearly in your view.

Objectives:
Improve accuracy in capturing contour and proportion of an observed object.
Emphasize the structure of a simple organic form using line.

Materials:

• Graphite (Use 2B, 4B and 6B)
• Pink eraser
• Pencil sharpener
• Drawing paper - sketchbook size (11 x 14", 60 lb. paper) or larger

Parameters

• Use the entire picture plane.
• Make this a "portfolio-worthy" drawing.

Grading Criteria:

• Quality of line (smooth, continuous lines, not sketchy)
• Realism of contour and proportion
• Realism of structure
• (Design of the page)

To Start:

1. Buy the peppers.
2. As you begin, consider how the larger shapes should be arranged within the picture plane.
3. Start with a light line, using the 2B pencil, to capture accurate contour (line) and proportion exactly as you observe them. 

Self Critique Questions
As you draw, ask yourself if you are doing the following (You should be!):

• Fill the page.
• Consider the entire page as a composition. Add value to the negative space as necessary.
• Consider the observed relationship between the positive shapes and the negative shapes, especially the spaces between the halves.
• Start with a light line, using the 2B pencil, to capture accurate contour (line) and proportion exactly as you observe them.
• Vary the quality of your lines (light/dark, thin/broad, soft/hard)