Drawing: An Overview
Drawing is widely regarded as one of the most significant art forms in existence. It is classified under the category of visual arts, which encompasses a variety of creative expressions such as sculpture, music, dance, theater, and much more.
Traditionally, drawing has served as a fundamental language for humans, allowing them to express their needs and experiences throughout history. Artists utilize lines, shapes, or splashes of color, employing various tools to create visually appealing works. In this article, we will explore some of the essential drawing tools that are commonly used today.
Essential Drawing Tools
Paper
Paper is one of the most crucial materials required by artists when drawing. There is an immense variety of paper types available, each suited for different techniques. For example, the type of paper suitable for pencil drawing is not ideal for inking with a brush. Pencil drawings typically require a slightly smooth surface, whereas other mediums like paints demand a sturdier, textured paper. The following are some common paper types:
- Canson Paper: This is one of the most popular choices among artists and is commonly used with pencils and charcoal. It features a moderately coarse texture compared to Bristol paper and is available in various colors, including white and black. Canson paper is often used for preparatory sketches, still life compositions, and direct observational studies, whether they involve landscapes or figures.
- Fabriano Paper: This Italian-made paper is characterized by its rough texture, making it an excellent choice for watercolor techniques as it helps achieve the desired effects.
Pencils
Pencils are essential for initial sketches and shading and come in various types with distinct degrees of hardness. They can be categorized into three main groups:
- H Grade: These pencils are identified by numbers ranging from H1 to H8. For instance, H4 is lighter than H3, which is in turn lighter than H2, and so on.
- B Grade: Similarly, these pencils are numbered B1 through B8, where B2 is lighter than B3, which is lighter than B4, and so forth.
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Charcoal Pencils: Available in two varieties:
- Natural Charcoal, known for its softness.
- Vine Charcoal, recognized for its firmness.
Colors
Colors are available in a wide range of types, including:
- Watercolors: These water-based colors come in various forms such as powders, pastes, and dry discs. They are known for their transparency and can be diluted with water to adjust the intensity of the color. Watercolors can be applied to paper, wood, and wall surfaces.
- Oil Paints: These are oil-based colors that are mixed with linseed oil prior to use. Oil paints are applied to special canvas available at art supply stores, characterized by their chemical stability when mixed and their low sensitivity to light.
- Glass Paints: These non-water-based colors are specifically designed for use on glass, polyester, and metal surfaces. They are known for their brilliance, quick-drying properties in the air, and light resistance, typically available in tube form.
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