Blind Contour Drawing: The Art Technique Liberals Don't Want You to Know About

Imagine a world where art is created without the artist ever looking at their paper. Sounds absurd, right? Well, that's exactly what blind contour drawing is all about. This technique, which involves drawing the contour of a subject without looking at the paper, has been around since the early 20th century. It was popularized by Kimon Nicolaïdes, an art instructor who believed that this method could help artists improve their observation skills. Blind contour drawing is typically practiced in art classes around the world, from New York to Paris, and is often used as a warm-up exercise to help artists focus on the subject rather than the outcome. But why is this technique so controversial, and why do some people want to keep it under wraps?

First off, blind contour drawing challenges the conventional notion of what art should be. In a world where perfection and precision are often valued above all else, this technique throws those ideals out the window. It forces artists to embrace imperfection and to focus on the process rather than the product. This can be a hard pill to swallow for those who believe that art should always be aesthetically pleasing. But for those who are willing to take the plunge, blind contour drawing can be a liberating experience that allows them to break free from the constraints of traditional art-making.

Secondly, blind contour drawing is a great way to improve one's observation skills. By forcing artists to focus on the subject rather than the paper, this technique helps them to see the world in a new way. It encourages them to pay attention to the details and to really look at what they're drawing. This can be a valuable skill for anyone, whether they're an artist or not. After all, in a world where we're constantly bombarded with information, the ability to truly observe and understand our surroundings is more important than ever.

Another reason why blind contour drawing is so powerful is that it encourages creativity and experimentation. When artists aren't worried about making a perfect drawing, they're free to take risks and try new things. This can lead to unexpected and exciting results that wouldn't have been possible if they were focused on creating a flawless piece of art. In this way, blind contour drawing can be a great way to break out of a creative rut and to explore new artistic possibilities.

Moreover, blind contour drawing is a great equalizer. Because it doesn't require any special skills or training, anyone can do it. This makes it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and it can be a fun and rewarding activity for families, friends, or even solo artists. In a world where art is often seen as elitist or exclusive, blind contour drawing is a refreshing reminder that creativity is for everyone.

Finally, blind contour drawing is just plain fun. There's something exhilarating about letting go of control and seeing what happens when you draw without looking. It's a playful and spontaneous activity that can bring joy and laughter to anyone who tries it. And in a world that often feels heavy and serious, a little bit of fun can go a long way.

So, why is blind contour drawing a technique that some people want to keep hidden? Perhaps it's because it challenges the status quo and encourages people to think outside the box. Or maybe it's because it reminds us that art doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: blind contour drawing is a powerful and transformative technique that deserves to be celebrated. So grab a pen, find a subject, and give it a try. You might just be surprised by what you create.