Drawing is an important part of any art, craft or design project. Drawing from observation suggests that you have studied your subject and considered its size, shape, form and details.
Drawing and mark making can be used to:
- record observations
- experiment with formal elements such as line and colour
- express emotions and abstract ideas
Purposes of drawing
Drawing is a way of researching, investigating and developing ideas throughout a project. Through their drawings, artists can show how their ideas have started or changed.
Drawing can also be used to express emotion or create atmosphere. The use of colour, texture and mark making all have an impact on the finished piece.
Drawing tools and materials
Drawing materials include:
- pencils and coloured pencils
- graphite sticks
- charcoal
- ballpoint pens
- fineline and felt tip pens
- drawing ink
- erasers
Different drawing tools create different effects, including erasers for removing marks and tissues for rubbing and smudging. Drawing with a combination of tools can lead to an interesting piece.
Drawing surfaces can create interesting textures and backgrounds.
