Week 2: Line Studies & Contour Drawing

1st Six-Week Period - Foundation Building

Judson STEAM Academy | Middle School Art 1

Duration: 5 Days (50 minutes each) | Grade Levels: 6-8

Texas TEKS: §117.202(b)(1)(A-D) Foundations: Observation and Perception

Week Overview

Essential Question:

"How can different types of lines communicate ideas, emotions, and observations in artwork?"

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand and identify the seven types of lines in art
  • Demonstrate proper pencil handling and line control techniques
  • Create contour drawings using observation skills
  • Apply line variation to show depth, texture, and movement
  • Develop visual vocabulary related to line quality and expression
TEKS Alignment
  • (b)(1)(A) Develop visual literacy through critical thinking
  • (b)(1)(B) Use sensory knowledge and life experiences
  • (b)(1)(C) Identify elements of art including line
  • (b)(1)(D) Use appropriate vocabulary
STEAM Integration
  • Science: Study of botanical line structures in nature
  • Technology: Digital line tools and vector graphics
  • Engineering: Technical drawing and blueprints
  • Mathematics: Geometric lines, angles, and measurement
Materials Needed
  • Drawing pencils (2H, HB, 2B)
  • Erasers (kneaded and pink pearl)
  • Drawing paper (9x12 inches)
  • Blending stumps
  • Rulers
  • Various objects for contour drawing
  • Natural specimens (leaves, shells)
Assessment Focus

Portfolio Component: Line Variety Studies

Students will create 5 drawings demonstrating different line qualities and contour techniques.

Daily Lesson Plans

Monday: Introduction to Line Types

Objective: Identify and create seven types of lines in art

Opening (10 minutes)
  • Warm-up: "Line Hunt" - Students identify different lines in the classroom
  • Vocabulary: Introduce line, contour, gesture, quality
  • Essential Question: Discuss how lines communicate different feelings
Instruction (15 minutes)
  • Demonstration: Seven types of lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curved, zigzag, dotted, dashed)
  • Line Quality: Thick, thin, light, dark, smooth, rough variations
  • Emotional Lines: How different lines convey feelings (angry zigzags, calm curves)
Practice Activity (20 minutes)
  • Line Sampler: Students create organized chart of seven line types
  • Pencil Control: Practice varying pressure and speed
  • Line Personalities: Create lines that express different emotions
Closure (5 minutes)
  • Gallery Walk: Students share one successful line type
  • Preview: Tomorrow's contour drawing introduction
  • Clean-up: Organize materials and portfolio folders
STEAM Connection

Mathematics: Explore geometric properties of lines - parallel, perpendicular, intersecting. Measure line segments and discuss angles formed by intersecting lines.

Tuesday: Contour Drawing Basics

Objective: Understand and practice basic contour drawing techniques

Opening (10 minutes)
  • Review: Quick line type identification game
  • Introduction: What is contour? (outline of shapes and forms)
  • Observation Skills: "Really Looking" vs. "Glancing"
Instruction (15 minutes)
  • Contour Definition: Line that defines the edge of a form
  • Demonstration: Teacher draws simple object contour
  • Eye-Hand Coordination: Explain the connection between seeing and drawing
Practice Activity (20 minutes)
  • Simple Objects: Start with basic geometric forms (apple, cup, book)
  • Continuous Line: Draw without lifting pencil from paper
  • Slow Observation: Emphasize careful looking while drawing
Closure (5 minutes)
  • Compare Drawings: Students compare their first and last drawings
  • Reflection: What improved with practice?
  • Preview: Tomorrow's blind contour challenge
STEAM Connection

Science: Study botanical specimens (leaves, flowers) and draw their contours. Observe how natural forms follow mathematical patterns like the Fibonacci sequence.

Wednesday: Blind Contour Drawing

Objective: Develop observation skills through blind contour techniques

Opening (10 minutes)
  • Mindset Preparation: "Mistakes are learning opportunities"
  • Blind Contour Explanation: Drawing without looking at paper
  • Purpose: Strengthen eye-hand coordination and observation
Instruction (10 minutes)
  • Demonstration: Teacher models blind contour technique
  • Rules: No peeking, continuous line, slow movement
  • Focus: Feel the edges with your eyes, trust your hand
Practice Activity (25 minutes)
  • Progressive Practice: Start with hand, then face, then objects
  • Partner Drawing: Students draw each other's profiles
  • Object Studies: Complex objects like shoes, backpacks, plants
  • Celebration: Appreciate the "beautiful accidents" in blind contour
Closure (5 minutes)
  • Share & Laugh: Students share their favorite "wonky" drawings
  • Insight Discussion: What did you notice about looking vs. drawing?
  • Tomorrow's Preview: Modified contour drawing
STEAM Connection

Technology: Discuss how GPS and mapping technology requires precise coordinate observation - similar to how artists must observe precisely to draw accurately.

Thursday: Modified Contour Drawing

Objective: Combine observation skills with accuracy through modified contour

Opening (8 minutes)
  • Quick Review: Compare blind vs. regular contour drawings
  • Modified Contour Intro: Best of both worlds - mostly looking at object
  • Goal: Accuracy with strong observation skills
Instruction (12 minutes)
  • Technique: 90% looking at object, 10% glancing at paper
  • Strategic Peeks: Check proportions and placement only
  • Demonstration: Teacher shows modified contour process
Practice Activity (25 minutes)
  • Still Life Setup: Interesting objects with varied textures
  • Multiple Drawings: 3 different objects, increasing complexity
  • Interior Lines: Add important details inside contours
  • Line Weight Variation: Thick and thin lines for emphasis
Closure (5 minutes)
  • Progress Comparison: Compare Monday's lines to today's drawings
  • Peer Review: Partner feedback on observation accuracy
  • Portfolio Prep: Select best drawings for portfolio
STEAM Connection

Engineering: Explore technical drawing principles. Discuss how engineers use precise line drawings to communicate complex 3D structures in 2D blueprints.

Friday: Line Quality & Expression

Objective: Master line variation and expressive qualities

Opening (8 minutes)
  • Line Quality Review: Thick, thin, light, dark, smooth, rough
  • Expressive Lines: How lines show emotion and movement
  • Artist Example: Van Gogh's expressive line work
Instruction (10 minutes)
  • Line Weight Hierarchy: Important edges = thicker lines
  • Pressure Control: Light touch vs. firm pressure
  • Tool Variation: Using different pencils for different effects
Practice Activity (27 minutes)
  • Expressive Self-Portrait: Use varied lines to show personality
  • Texture Studies: Draw different textures using only lines
  • Movement Drawing: Capture gesture and movement with line quality
  • Portfolio Organization: Compile week's best work
Closure (5 minutes)
  • Week Reflection: How have drawing skills improved?
  • Vocabulary Quiz: Quick review of line terms
  • Next Week Preview: Introduction to shape and form
STEAM Connection

Mathematics + Technology: Explore how digital animation uses mathematical curves (Bezier curves) to create smooth, expressive lines in computer graphics.

Assessment & Evaluation

Portfolio Assessment

Required Submissions (5 pieces):
  • Line Type Sampler (Monday)
  • Basic Contour Drawing (Tuesday)
  • Best Blind Contour Drawing (Wednesday)
  • Modified Contour Study (Thursday)
  • Expressive Line Self-Portrait (Friday)
Evaluation Criteria:
  • Technical Skill (25%): Line control and pencil handling
  • Observation (25%): Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Effort (25%): Participation and practice
  • Growth (25%): Improvement over the week

Differentiation Strategies

For Advanced Students:
  • Complex object contour drawings
  • Cross-contour lines showing form
  • Multiple pencil techniques in one drawing
  • Teaching assistance for struggling peers
For Struggling Students:
  • Larger drawing paper for better control
  • Simpler objects for contour practice
  • Extended time for completion
  • Peer buddy system for support
For ELL Students:
  • Visual vocabulary cards with line examples
  • Bilingual art terminology sheets
  • Demonstration-heavy instruction
  • Native language art connections

Teacher Notes & Resources

Teaching Tips
  • Mindset: Emphasize that "mistakes" in drawing are learning opportunities
  • Encouragement: Celebrate improvement over perfection
  • Pacing: Allow extra time for blind contour - it's challenging!
  • Environment: Play calm background music to reduce anxiety
  • Modeling: Draw alongside students to show it's a practice for everyone
Safety & Management
  • Pencil Safety: Proper sharpening techniques and awareness
  • Clean-up: Designated roles for paper scraps and eraser bits
  • Storage: Individual portfolio folders for work organization
  • Materials: Check pencil supplies and replace as needed
  • Space: Ensure adequate lighting and desk space
Back to Overview
All Week Plans
Next Week: Shape & Form