Term
Contour line
Meaning
A contour line is a line that wraps around a form to show its direction and volume, not only its outer edge. A ring drawn around a limb tells the viewer whether it points toward or away from them: a rounder curve means the form turns toward the viewer. Artists use cross-contours on mannequins to test perspective and overlap before adding anatomical detail. Outlining only the edge tends to give a flat silhouette. See also: Mannequin, Foreshortening, Value and the guide "Torso, Mannequins and Light on Form: Building Solid Figures".