Blind Contour – Architecture Student Chronicles

Negative/Positive Contour | Architectural Drawing

As we discussed earlier, there are three major types of contours:

In this article, we will discuss in detail the method of drawing a “Negative/Positive Contour” and its relevance to Architectural Drawing.

A negative shape is defined as the shape of space that surrounds the object or that permeates it.

Negative shapes drawn from any subject matter WILL, WHEN COMPLETED, SUGGEST the positive shape of that which you are drawing.

The purpose of this exercise is to turn your thinking and seeing from the object itself, to that of seeing shapes of space which surround or permeate things.

Negative/Positive Contour - To draw the space around it

The process requires that you see space in a new way. Conventional spatial expectations are reoriented.

Draw the negative shapes seen from your point of view, regardless of the separateness and overlapping of the objects.

Contour Line | Blind Contour

The simplest and earliest method of drawing was “Delineation”. Its most pure form is the Contour Line.

Three major types of Contours:

This is the line demarcating of “What is” and “What is not”. It is a boundary between what is perceived – seen – called. The positive shapes, and the space surrounding the perceived object called the “Negative shape”.

The contour line is a deceptively difficult line to draw well and a well drawn contour line rests upon sensitive and detailed persuasive information.

It is a line which has not only to express the edges of the figure but also suggest what conceals behind it.

This exercise has to make use of line in all its possibilities:

Even and Variable
Thick/Thin
Light/Dark

Contour Line | Negative/Positive Contour

Negative/Positive Contour | Architectural Drawing

Contour Line | Blind Contour | Architectural Drawing

Contour Line | Blind Contour

Three major types of Contours:

This exercise has to make use of line in all its possibilities: