Definition

Drawing “…a form of visual art in which a person uses various drawing instruments to mark paper or another two-dimensional medium. Instruments include graphite pencils, pen, and ink, inked brushes, wax color pencils, crayons, charcoal, chalk, pastels, various kinds of erasers, markers, styluses, various metals…” (Wikipedia)

Art – What is a drawing?

This method can be used as a means of artistic expression but has had also other purposes such as illustration and technical drawing, as in architecture practice for example. Various professionals (architects and draftsmen) used technical drawings in their professions.  Tasks previously accomplished by using pen and ink on paper (such as in floor plans for buildings) are now accomplished by computer.

Oil painters use this method to draw a sketch showing contours to define the boundaries of their final work, usually with a pencil. The lines disappear once the artist applies paint.

Drawing visual components

A  line constitutes the main art element or component in this type of art. Other elements that are used are dots. Surfaces are achieved by hatching many lines close to each other. Hatching lines can be drawn at 45 degrees, in one or two directions. Furthermore, in some works, the lines can have a rounded shape. This type of line simulates motion.

Colors in drawings

Black and gray colors are mostly associated with drawings. This is because many works are created with ink or charcoal when ink or charcoal (black) or drawn with pencils (mostly grey). Sometimes sepia color is used see HERE.

Creation process

Drawings can be quick sketches, or be more elaborate, depending on the artist’s inclination and expression desires. The main visual characteristic of this art medium of expression is its’ lightness. This is in contrast to other mediums such as painting.

They are usually quick and do not have the same depth as paintings. Although a three-dimensional feeling can be created, this is a form of expression that usually fosters simplicity. Sometimes great artists like Albrecht Durer (1471–1528) have used this medium to elaborate.

Artists combine many mediums such as a pencil or liquid watercolors to create a drawing. When this is done the drawing becomes “Mixed media”. An artist who combines mediums to create can usually achieve very special unusual visual effects.

Longevity

The longevity of these artworks is much shorter than artworks created with oil colors (paintings). This is usually caused by light interacting with the materials applied, and the main culprit being the UV light if the art is displayed in the wrong place. Paper tends to yellow in time and has its’ own limitations. Artworks exposed to direct lights can and will fade in time. Furthermore, careful preservation measures must be taken when these works are of extreme value.

The morphology

Anything from a quick and dirty sketch to a full-fledged three-dimensional looking artwork.

Materials

Browse the following drawing types to get familiar with the look. Color pencil on paper – “The Four Seasons”,  pencil and ink on paper – “Dreaming you” and pencil ink and pastel on brown paper – “Protected town”. And see how the whole look changes becoming three dimensional with a lot of depth when the material of choice is oil paint.

Art drawing examples

Color Pencil drawing Daniel Heller

Color pencil drawing

Mixed media drawing

Bosch Surrealism

Ballpoint pen drawing