Drawing as distinct from painting is done with a medium such
as pencil, charcoal, or crayon, and excludes the use of paint applied with a
brush, sponge or airbrush as with watercolours, oils or acrylics. The exception
to the aforementioned solid media is liquid usually in the form of ink that is applied
with a pen, quill or similar tool, e.g., a piece of bamboo that has been shaped
for the purpose of transferring the medium to the chosen surface or base upon
which the drawing is made.
Both drawing and painting are abstract means of expressing
ideas, emotions, feelings and coded facts. An architect’s presentation drawing
may portray the appearance of a finished building, but his architectural
drawings will convey factual information such as dimensions and materials used
in the construction of the building.
With time on my hands, since I did not take ‘Minnow’ on the
proposed cruise along the South Coast of England, I thought I would try my hand
at drawing. My subject was a still life depicting fruit on a glass stand.
Although the fruit was colourful, I chose to concentrate on representing tonal
differences, for creating the illusion of their forms; therefore I did my
drawing with compressed charcoal, which is monochromatic. By depicting tonal
differences brought about by the interplay of light and shade and by the tones
of colours of the objects, I hoped to represent their forms.
Young children have few inhibitions when it comes to
drawing, and they will intuitively create linear images that represent their
feelings and their knowledge of chosen subjects. Adults often believe they are
unable to draw because they think they have lost this instinctive, innate
ability; some will even declare they never had such ability. More than likely, they
were never encouraged to draw when they were young.
I suggest that if you have time on your hands and you want
to do something rewarding, have a go at making a drawing. The drawing can be of
anything and in any form. You can be as creative as you like, even to the extent
of creating something that is entirely abstract. Starting is the most difficult thing. Make a
mark on the paper, and you are away into a land where you invent your own rules
and you are only accountable to yourself. You can keep your art private, or
show it to others.
Links
Oldest Cave Drawings Found in Romanian Cave
What is the Oldest Drawing?
Charcoal Drawing FAQ
Cave Painting
Very good Bill. A man of many talents! I can't even draw a straight line!
ReplyDeleteSteve
As an amatuer dawber myself, that is a lovely example of still life.
ReplyDeleteNice one Bill
Steve,
ReplyDeleteFew straight lines can be found in nature; even the horizon is curved.
Cheers,
Bill.
Thanks Richard,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed making the drawing and I found the process of creating it satisfying. I set the rules and tried to obey them. The result was pleasing to me, and that's what mattered, but if it is pleasing to others, that is a bonus.
Cheers,
Bill.