Blind Contour Drawing
Draw without looking at your paper — eyes stay on the object the whole time. The resulting drawings are wonky, expressive, and surprisingly alive. Teaches observation and loosens up tight drawers who are afraid of making mistakes.
Drawing
Ages 7–1120 minsEasyIndividual
Watch on YouTube
Search: "blind contour drawing exercise art class kids" — video tutorials from popular craft channels
What you'll need
- A4 cartridge paper
- Pencil or fine-liner
- Object to draw (a hand, a shoe, a plant)
How to do it
- Place the object to draw in front of you.
- Put the pen on the paper and look ONLY at the object — not at the paper.
- Slowly trace the edge of the object with your eyes, moving the pen at the same speed.
- Do not lift the pen or look at the paper.
- At the end, reveal the drawing — they should look strange but have surprising life.
- Do it 3 times — usually they improve as the exercise loosens the drawing instinct.
💡 Tips
Children who are perfectionist about drawing often love this because the 'rule' removes the pressure to draw well. Display them proudly — they look impressive and are genuinely all different.
Books and materials
Convenience links for everything mentioned above. We link to Amazon — LessonKind may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Drawing books
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D Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain — Betty Edwards
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T The Natural Way to Draw — Kimon Nicolaïdes