Modified Blind Contour, blind contour with a bit more control, February 16, 2015

Here is how you can take Blind Contour

one step further.

Modified blind contour drawing allows you to regain a bit of control. You can peek from time to time.

Briefly glancing at your drawing at intervals will help you monitor proportion, relationships of space and size, direction and lengths.

You are still using that slow, focused observation typical of blind contour that brings about the cognitive shift to the right side of the brain. This method of drawing makes you feel deeply relaxed, holding you in the present moment.

If you have time, go to my previous post on

Blind Contour and complete a drawing before diving into this next step. It is a great relaxation warm up.

Enjoy the process!

It is best to read all instructions before beginning.

Step One

Find a place where you can sit comfortably and draw for at least 10 to 15 minutes, longer if possible.

Step Two

Gather your materials: an A4 piece of paper and a sharpened pencil or soft colored pencil. It is best if the pencil is 2B to 4B. The higher the number in the B series of pencils, the softer the mark becomes.

Step Three

Select something to draw. It could be a doll, a cabbage, a crinkled piece of paper, or an old shoe. It is best if the object has some textured edges.

Step Four

Repeat this intention quietly to yourself:

“My intention is to draw this object/person, glancing at the paper only when needed”.

Step Five

Set your eyes on one point of the object and begin drawing what you see from that point on. As your eyes move along the edges of the object, your hand will draw what you observe. It is as if your hand and eyes are working in unison. It is a continuous line that unravels very slowly.

The pencil does not lift off the paper very often. You will spend 99% of the time observing the object. Brief glances are allowed at intervals, when you need to change direction, check lengths, proportions or placements.

Example: In the portrait drawing above, I began with the contour of the hair. I then glanced at the paper to see where I should place the model's left eye. I chose a starting place for the eye then completed the contour of it in pure observation. I did not once look down at the paper again until it was time to move to another location, in this case, the right eye.

FOCUS all your attention on what you see in front of you without attachment to outcome on the paper. LET GO and relax.

The process, not the result, is all-important; the journey rather than the destination.

I love hearing from you. Leave a comment on this process at info@jvanin.com

Disclamer: The information I share with you on this blog is based on my own healing journey and is for educational purposes only.

Please consult the appropriate health care professional to deter mine the best treatment for you.