What is Outline In Drawing and How to Outline a Picture?

Outlining a picture is an essential step in the drawing process. It can help you to create a well-defined and polished final artwork. There are many different ways to outline a picture, each with its benefits. We will explore some of the most common methods for outlining pictures and tips for perfecting your technique.

What is an Outline in Drawing?

An outline in the drawing is the line surrounding a picture highlighting the edges without any shade or texture, giving an idea of the shape or form of the visual a person is viewing. 

You can do this drawing with a pencil, pen, or any other suitable tool. The process of creating an outline is called contouring. 

In many cases, an outline is needed to create a successful drawing. It can be used to suggest volume and three-dimensional form, as well as to create negative space.

An outline can be used as a foundation for more complex drawings or left as-is for a more minimalist approach.

You can also use it to indicate the silhouette of an object or person.

What are the Types of Outline?

Lines are a fundamental element of drawing, and there are a variety of types that can be used to create different effects. The four most common lines are contour lines, gesture lines, blind lines, and construction lines. Contour lines are used to define the edge of an object, and they can be either continuous or broken. Gesture lines convey movement and energy, while blind lines are typically used for shading. Construction lines are used to map out the placement of objects before adding any detail. By understanding the various types of lines, artists can create more expressive and dynamic drawings.

Contour Lines for Outline Drawing

Contour lines are external lines and the most basic type of line, and they are used to define the edge of an object. They can be either continuous or broken and vary in thickness. Continuous contour lines create a smooth, flowing effect, while you can use broken contour lines to suggest texture or movement. Using these lines, you can create contour drawings, continuous line drawings, or blind contour drawings.

Gesture Lines for Outline Drawing

Gesture lines are used to suggest movement and energy, and they are often used in figure drawing. They are usually quick, fluid strokes that capture the subject’s gestures. An artist uses gesture lines to map the figure’s movement before adding details.

Blind Lines for Outline Drawing

Blind lines are typically used for shading and are usually made with a light touch. Blind lines can be either continuous or broken, varying in thickness. Continuous blind lines create a smooth, even tone, while you can use broken blind lines to create texture.

Construction Lines for Outline Drawing

Construction lines are used to map out the placement of objects before adding any detail. They are usually made with a light touch and can be erased easily. Construction lines can help artists achieve the desired composition before drawing.

The above are the most common lines you can use for outline drawing. By understanding the different effects of each type of line, artists can create more expressive and dynamic illustrations.

How to Create an Outline of a Picture before Drawing?

There are a few different ways to create an outline of a picture before drawing. These are tools that can help the artist in creating an outline.

One way is to use a lightbox for creating an outline. A lightbox is equipment that emits a soft, even light. This light illuminates the image from underneath, making it easier to see the lines and details.

Another way to create an outline is to use tracing paper. Tracing paper is a thin, translucent paper that you can place over an image. This tracing paper allows the artist to see the lines and details of the image while drawing.

A third way to create an outline is to use a projector. A projector projects the image onto a surface, making it easier to see the lines and details. It is a good option for a larger picture or for artists who want to achieve a more precise outline.

The above three methods will help you create accurate outlines of pictures before drawing. By understanding the different ways to create an outline, you can choose the best method for your needs.

The above are the common methods for creating an outline of a picture before drawing. By understanding the different options, artists can choose the best method for their needs.

What is a Good Outline Drawing?

A good outline drawing is accurate and precise. It should capture all the essential details of the image and be easy to follow. A good outline drawing will also be clean and free of smudges.

Creating an accurate outline drawing can be challenging, but it is essential to take your time and be careful. By creating a good outline, you will save time in the long run and end up with a better drawing.

Which Pencil is Used for Outline?

The graphite pencil used for outline drawing can be the same one you use for any drawing. The type of pencil you use will depend on your preference and the level of detail you want to achieve.

You can use a fine-point pen or a mechanical pencil for a more precise and detailed outline. These pencils have fine tips that allow you to achieve a more precise line.

You can use charcoal or graphite for a more gestural and loose outline. These pencils have thicker leads that allow you to create a more expressive line.

No matter which type of pencil you use, test it out on scrap paper before you start your drawing. It can make you comfortable and help you feel for the pencil and its workings.

Can you use Pens for Drawing Outline?

You can also use pens for basic outline drawing. Pens have fine tips that allow you to achieve a more precise line.

You can find pens in various widths, so you can choose the pen that best suits your needs. Be sure to test the pen on scrap paper before starting your drawing.

It doesn’t matter which type of pencil or pen you use, be sure to take your time and be careful. By creating a good outline, you will save time in the long run and end up with a better drawing.

What is the Purpose of Outline in an Artwork?

When we sit down to draw, it can be tempting to start putting pencil to paper and see where the image takes us. However, taking a little time to plan out our drawing in advance can save us a lot of time and frustration.

An outline is like a roadmap for our drawing, allowing us to plan our composition and decide which details are most important.

To Establish the Shape and Proportions of a Subject

One of the most important reasons to use an outline is to help us get the accurate proportions and basic shapes of our subject correct. An artist can use outlines to create suitable shapes. 

If we start drawing without planning, it can be easy to end up with a distorted or disproportionate image.

Outlining first allows us to map out the rough shape of our subject, so we can make sure everything is in the correct proportion before we start filling in the details.

To Create a Sense of Depth and Dimension

Another reason to use an outline is to create a sense of depth and dimension in our drawing.

An outline can help us suggest an object’s three-dimensional form rather than just drawing it as a flat shape.

It can be constructive when drawing things like buildings or landscape scenes.

To Show Negative Space

You can use an outline to show negative space and create a sense of depth.

Negative space is the space or area around and between the subject of our drawing.

By outlining the subject of our drawing, we can create a clear boundary between the positive and negative space.

It can help make our drawing more visually appealing and create a greater sense of balance.

To Indicate Lighting Conditions

A simple benefit you will get from using an outline is that it can help us indicate lighting conditions.

If we want to show that an object is lit from the side, we can use a darker outline on one side and a lighter outline on the other.

By using lighter and darker bold lines, the artist can create the illusion of light and shadow, making the objects appear more three-dimensional. 

This outline can help create a sense of depth and dimension in our drawing.

It can benefit a beginner artist when creating a specific mood or atmosphere.

To Emphasize Certain Details

Finally, you can use an outline to emphasize details in your drawing.

We can use a heavier or darker outline to draw attention to a particular area of our image.

It can help create a sense of focus and direct the viewer’s attention to the essential part of the drawing.

These are some of the reasons why we use outlines before actual drawing.

What is the Difference Between an Outline Drawing and a Sketch?

An outline drawing is a more accurate and precise drawing. It should capture all the essential details of the image and be easy to follow.

A sketch is a more gestural and loose drawing. It can be done quickly and does not need to be as accurate or precise as an outline drawing.

Your choice of an outline will depend on your needs and the level of detail you want to achieve. An outline drawing is the best choice if you need a more accurate drawing. A sketch is best if you wish for a more gestural drawing.

It does not matter which type of drawing you choose, be sure to take your time and be careful. By creating a good picture, you will save time in the long run and end up with a better illustration.

To Conclude:

Outline drawings can be beneficial when creating a finished drawing. They establish a subject’s basic shapes and proportions, help create a sense of depth and dimension, and can emphasize specific details.

You can use many different outlines to achieve other effects in your artwork. You can also use different materials depending on what kind of outline you want to create.

By understanding the different types of outline lines and how to use them, you can create better artwork with less effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you draw outline sketches?

   Start your drawing using light pencil strokes to sketch out the general shapes of your subject matter, starting with the largest shapes and working your way down to the smaller details, and erasing any unwanted lines as you go.

2. What are outline lines in art?

   Outline lines are the boundary lines that define the edges of a shape or object. They can be either thin and delicate or thick and bold. They mainly serve to create a sense of depth and dimension in the artwork.

3. Why is outline important in drawing?

   An outline is vital in drawing because it can help establish a subject’s basic shapes and proportions, create a sense of depth and dimension, and emphasize specific details. It saves time by not having to draw and erase each line individually.

4. What is the difference between an outline and a sketch?

   An outline drawing is a more accurate and precise drawing. It should capture all the essential details of the image and be easy to follow. A sketch is a more gestural and loose drawing. It can be done quickly and does not need to be as accurate or precise as an outline drawing.

5. Should you outline your drawings in pen?

   You should not outline your drawings in pen. Using a light pencil to sketch out the general shapes of your subject matter before going over it with a pen. This way, you can erase any unwanted lines if necessary. It gives a clean look to the drawing.