Line Pt. 2:

Line is probably most commonly understood in terms of contour, or, the outline of a shape. Most lessons in drawing start there. Students are told to take up their pencils, look at an object, and trace its outline in space onto a piece of paper. It's an adequate way to begin drawing. More than that, it's an excellent way to begin seeing.

My own first-year college attempt at drawing a live model in pencil.

Most of these first efforts are characterized by a quality of line that shows little confidence. My brother, a geologist, only took up drawing this year.

As he trains his hand to record what his eye sees, the quality of his line improves. It is beginning to lose that sketchiness that shows a lack of commitment. Check out the hair:

That hair is a turning point. It shows a bold leap forward in terms of commitment. You can see it in the line -- a continuous tangle and flow that no doubt reflects the shape and rhythm of the object my brother saw in drawing class. No self-consciousness about hairline or individual strands, just a gestural form.