What does a contour drawing focus on?

A contour drawing emphasizes the outlines and the defining shapes of a subject, capturing both outer and inner forms without the burden of intricate details like shading or color. This method helps artists produce a simplified version of the subject, focusing purely on its structure and the relationships among different components. The approach allows for an intuitive understanding of shapes, making it a fundamental technique in art education and practice.

In contrast, the other options highlight different artistic techniques that do not represent the essence of contour drawing. Color application involves the use of hues to convey mood or depth, shading techniques aim to create light and shadow effects, and texture variations focus on the surface qualities of an object. Each of these aspects contributes to the overall composition but diverges from the primary intent of contour drawing, which is to communicate shape and form through line alone.