Contour Drawing

Contour drawing, is an artistic technique used in the field of art in which the artist sketches the contour of a subject by drawing lines that result in a drawing that is essentially an outline. The purpose of contour drawing is to emphasize the mass and volume of the subject rather than the detail; the focus is on the outlined shape of the subject and not the minor details. However, because contour can convey a three-dimensional perspective, length and width as well as thickness and depth are important; not all contours exist along the outlines of a subject.This technique is manifested in different styles and practiced in the honor of drawing development.
The purpose of drawing blindingly is to force the artist’s eye to move along the contour of the subject as his or her pencil moves along the paper. Initially, this type of drawing may be difficult and slow, but an artist will find that with practice, it is an effective way of defining observation skills such as identifying and underlying the structure of the subject, relating forms, and conveying the sensual experience of the subject; he/she will be skilled at drawing anything quickly and successively

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contour_drawing

Ian Sklarsky

Abstract portraits from a blind contour artist

When Brooklyn-based artist Ian Sklarsky isn't directing music videos like Luciana's Betty White-inspired dance track "I'm Still Hot", he can be found staring peacefully at the subjects of his abstract blind contour drawings. Originally from Chicago, Sklarsky became interested in the traditional method during a high school art class. Blind contours require the artist to trace his subject's silhouette without looking down at the paper, and for Sklarsky this means becoming completely zen and allowing his hand to be his guide.

http://www.coolhunting.com/design/ina-sklarsky.php