Tip 7: Keep the outlines light

As your drawing is fleshed out in more detail, with attention given to the subtle variations in shape and form, the natural inclination – especially of the novice drawer – is to want to darken in the outlines, to help ensure they are visible. Do not do this.

Real objects do not have dark lines running around every edge. Edges should instead be defined by a change in tone and/or colour, as in the beautiful graphite drawing by an IGCSE Art student shown to the left.

If you are producing a line drawing, a cartoon or some other graphic image, outlines may be darkened, but in an observational drawing – especially one which you wish to be realistic – dark outlines are never advised.

This beautiful observational study was part of an IGCSE ‘A’ grade Coursework submission by Georgia Shattky, from ACG Parnell College. It shows folded fabric hanging over the corner of a wooden dresser. Note that there is not a single black outline within the work: edges are defined solely through variation in tone. - See more at: http://www.studentartguide.com/articles/realistic-observational-drawings#sthash.mnlJJ9JB.dpuf

- See more at: http://www.studentartguide.com/articles/realistic-observational-drawings#sthash.mnlJJ9JB.dpuf

I find this picture and tip interesting because i don't think that something like that would have occurred to me.  I had always thought you need some kind of outline on an object so you know what is where, but this picture proves that that's not necessarily so.  This shed some light on me and this might also help you.