Contour

The outer edge of forms which implies three dimensions, in contrast to an outline, which is a boundary of two-dimensional, flat form. Also, a type of line drawing which captures this three-dimensional outer edge, with its fullness and recession of form.<br><br>The outline and other visible edges of a mass, figure or object.Example: Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (French, 1780-1867), Madame Edmond Cav? (Marie-Elisabeth Blavot, 1810-), c. 1831-34, oil on canvas, 16 x 12 7/8 inches (40.6 x 32.7 cm), Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. The area of darkness (shadow?) Ingres painted beside Mme. Cav?&#39;s profile emphasizes its contour.About contour: "Drawing should give the eye in the shape of a demonstration the intention and invention first conceived by its image. Line has not matter in it or any other substance, but since it is thus conditioned, it takes up no room. Contour is a surface which is neither of the body nor a part of the atmosphere, but a medium interposed between the atmosphere and the body." Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Italian artist, designer, etc., etc. "When you draw lines curving around the surface, or contour, of an object, you give that object volume. You make that object appear to be popping out of the paper." Mark Kistler, American TV artist / instructor. "The Twelve Renaissance Words of Drawing in 3-D," 1997. Also see contour drawing, contour lines, volume, and wireframe.