• This exercise definitely made me slow down and concentrate on the outline of the subjects. It was hard in the beginning not to look at the paper, but by the 4th subject I was so lost in the form I didn't mind not being able to look. My results were quite laughable, however, I could see part of each drawing that was spot on. These were usually the small details of the claws, tail or antlers. This was really fun.

I found this kind of like playing the piano, knowing where your hands are on the keys without looking, is like knowing where your pencil is with respect to everything you've already drawn.

Observations about this exercise with the four photos:

• Really need to think about matching my drawing speed with my observation speed around the boundary of the subject.
• Trying to coordinate where I'm drawing on the physical page with the composition and layout of the subect.
• Need to concentrate on both drawing speed in both horizontal and vertical dimensions across the page.

Chose a houseplant for the subject of my last drawing. My additional observations:

• Have to worry about parallax with 3D objects, especially if they are close.

yes it enhanced concentration and attention to detail.  hardest part was to get the volume, proportion and ends to meet!

My ability to gauge how far I've moved across the page is pretty limited.  I am wondering a bit about hand speed and beats of time as a way to improve, but probably there's also a lot of figuring out angles.  

I really enjoyed this exercise. As I went from photo one to photo 4 my drawings improved. I did the first two twice each and noticed that as I concentrated on the photo and drew areas that were close together I was able to get more accuracy. I covered the sketch pad with my copied photos so I was not tempted to peek. The more I concentrated on observing the photos the more accurate my drawings became. It was fun! 

I really enjoyed this exercise. As I went from photo one to photo 4 my drawings improved. I did the first two twice each and noticed that as I concentrated on the photo and drew areas that were close together I was able to get more accuracy. I covered the sketch pad with my copied photos so I was not tempted to peek. The more I concentrated on observing the photos the more accurate my drawings became. It was fun!

Very good exercise for focusing on the subject! I superimposed each contour drawing on top of the other, using colors of the subject that were harmonious with each other. The copper for the tropical bird didn't work, though, and looks grey. The outcome is a playful abstract design - and within the design one can see suggestions of a head-horn-ears, tail, and feet....Lots of fun!

The more often I practice this, the better I get at moving my eyes and pencil in concert. Muscle memory is definitely taking place.

I think I drew too quiuckly, but it was an interesting exercise, and made me look more closely at the outlines.

This was very difficult.

This was definitely a challenge and not natural (I accidentally looked for a sec on one...but I didn't see anything;) )! To tell the truth, the only one that I did decent on was the Springbok... but I did make sure to find the successes in all of my contour drawings! I will get better with practice. And good job to all that did this practice! :D

This was a fun exercise! I think certain subjects are easier to blind contour than others. If the subject's shape is continuous and flowy, I'll have an easier time drawing, like with the sunbird and the bird of paradise flower.

It kept me focused, that's for sure. But a bit frustrated--I thought we were getting away from long, heavy lines. My stuff looked like bad cartoons. I couldn't find a part that I did well (OK, being too judgmental here).

this was a fun exercise. it helps to keep things light and not take your work too seriously. I tend to get fixated on my drawings so this is a great way to loosen up and also work on the mind and hand connection.

This really forced me to let go and just focus on one thing. I think it'll be very useful for those times when I see a bird or animal and I know the moment is fleeting. I don't want to look away to draw or get my camera out. To be able to capture any memory during that brief moment would be very satisfying.

I did not do well with this exercise. My hands did not create a good image without looking at the subject. Bunch of scribbling actually. But I was focused on the images, so I guess that was somewhat of a success. I did do a good job on the feet of the lizard. lol

I think blind=contour drawing helped me concentrate. One aspect that was difficult was how far to go on a fairly long line. I found my eye jumping to the top; I think slowing the eye down and following that visual with my pencil will help make the drawing more proportional. I did pretty well with the overall shape, but 3/4 of the time didn't end up where I began. I felt good about the fact that I finished where I started on the springbok drawing.

I enjoyed the blind drawing.  Here are two examples of what I did.  This process made me concentrate on the every little bump in each picture. Suzanne N