Contour Drawings- Hand

Negative Space- Under the Kitchen Sink

Contour + Negative Space

June 2024

Medium: Pen and Charcoal pencil

Review:

Contour Hands: Drawing contour hands using various techniques was a fun process that deepened my understanding of hand shapes. Starting with my dominant hand, I focused on capturing its outline with confident lines, highlighting the curves and angles that define its form. This exercise allowed me to appreciate the control of my hand. Drawing with my non-dominant hand presented a different challenge, with less precise lines that were more fluid, offering a unique perspective on the shape. Attempting to draw with my eyes closed was a fascinating experiment in awareness, relying on touch and memory to trace the outline, resulting in a drawing that captured it through intuitive movements. Drawing without lifting the pencil from the paper encouraged continuous observation and fluidity, creating a sense of connection and flow that reflected the organic nature of my hand’s shape and movement. Finally, adding texture and depth to one drawing brought it to life, using varied pressures and cross-hatching techniques. Overall, these exercises were not only enjoyable but also educational, providing insights into the intricate shapes and proportions of my hand through simple yet effective techniques.

Negative Space Piece: For this project, I used a charcoal pencil to draw the contents under my kitchen sink, emphasizing negative space—the interaction of shapes with the surrounding empty areas. This was both a visual exploration and a study of spatial relationships. Initially, I prioritized replicating correct proportions and sizes without pressure on shape accuracy. Once the base was complete, I added detail to enhance the shapes, which revitalized the composition. Subsequently, I introduced thicker lines to certain objects to create depth. However, these final steps didn’t improve the work; the thicker lines and dark shadows made some shapes appear unnatural and less organic. From this project, I learned that less detail can often be more impactful. When focusing on negative space, emphasis should be on shapes rather than textures or shading. Simplifying my approach was crucial, demanding considerable time, patience, and focus.