Fine Art: Drawing

Section: Basic of Drawing

Drawing is a fundamental skill in fine art. It involves creating pictures on surfaces using lines or marks.
Materials used in drawing can range from graphite pencils, charcoal, coloured pencils, to chalks and inks.
The basis for successful drawing lies in observation. Careful observation of the subject matter is vital in bringing out the details and establishing proportions correctly.

Line is an important element of drawing. Lines define shapes and provide the framework for your drawing.
Shape and form refer to the area enclosed by lines. Shapes are two-dimensional (length and width), while forms are three-dimensional (length, width and depth).
Texture in drawing refers to the perceived surface quality of your work. It could be implied by using lines and shading.
Perspective in drawing provides the illusion of depth and distance. It’s what makes a two-dimensional drawing appear three-dimensional.
Shading or value deals with the lightness or darkness of areas in a drawing. It helps in creating depth and dimension.

Stippling entails creating a pattern using small dots to suggest depth and form.
Hatching and cross-hatching involve creating density and shadow using repetitive lines.
Blending is a technique used to produce smooth transitions between tones.
Scumbling is a method where a thin or broken layer of colour is brushed over another colour.

Realistic style involves creating drawings that are highly detailed and closely resemble real-life objects.
Abstract style doesn’t try to represent an accurate depiction of reality. Instead, it uses shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks to achieve its effect.
Surrealist style is characterised by bizarre, dream-like imagery.
Cubist style abstracts form by viewing the subject from multiple viewpoints simultaneously.

When evaluating a drawing, composition, proportions, use of space, balance of elements, and use of shading or colour should be considered.
Personal interpretation and style also play a big role in the value of a drawing.
Being able to constructively critique your own work or the work of others is an important skill in fine art.