Drawing
Drawing is an essential skill for self-expression, historically serving as a means of communication among humans. Its origins trace back thousands of years, allowing us to understand the history of human civilization and the lives of early humans. Cave paintings and depictions found on pottery illustrate this artistic endeavor. Today, the practice of drawing has evolved into a more advanced and sophisticated form. Drawing is both a technique and an art form that creatively represents objects, embodying the fundamental aspects of the real world. It serves as a manifestation of ideas, emotions, and fantasies while reflecting the artist’s personality through the flow of their lines. This article will introduce you to the basics of drawing, including the necessary tools, techniques, and helpful exercises.
Essential Drawing Tools
To embark on a drawing journey, the artist must begin with simple tools such as a pencil, eraser, and paper. As proficiency grows, they can transition to more advanced equipment and techniques. Here’s a brief overview of these essential tools:
- Pencil: This is one of the most commonly used and critical tools in drawing, available in two types: the hard pencil (marked with an “H”) for lighter, finer lines and the soft pencil (marked with a “B”) for darker, thicker lines. There’s also a medium pencil represented by “HB,” which is primarily used in drawing. The hardness and softness levels are indicated by a scale of numbers.
- Eraser: This tool is crucial for beginners as mistakes are common during the learning process. Erasers come in various shapes and types, including plastic erasers and large white erasers. It’s important to ensure that the eraser is clean before use to avoid affecting the quality of the drawing.
- Paper: When drawing, it’s advisable to use smooth white paper such as regular printing paper or kraft paper. As your skills improve, you can opt for Ingres paper or Canson paper, available in various sizes and colors. The strength of the paper is measured in grams per square meter, and it is recommended to secure the drawing paper flat using clips or pins to prevent it from bending.
- Charcoal Pencils: Similar in hardness and softness to graphite pencils, charcoal pencils work best with Ingres paper. It’s important to be careful not to scratch or damage the paper while drawing. After finishing your charcoal artwork, use a spray fixative to preserve the drawing.
- Fixative: This liquid is sprayed onto the artwork to secure it and protect it from deterioration.
Getting Started with Drawing
Having familiarized ourselves with the essential drawing tools, it’s time to explore the process of drawing. First, the body posture during drawing is crucial; it should be comfortable—whether seated at a table or at an easel illuminated from the left. Maintain a straight back while resting your elbow on the edge of the table.
Every drawing consists of lines and simple geometric shapes; for instance, windows resemble squares, apples look like circles, and trees are akin to triangles. Therefore, practice drawing lines and basic geometric forms. Although these foundational steps may seem trivial, mastering them will cultivate your drawing skills, which are often referred to as the alphabet of drawing. Continuous practice, even just five minutes a day, can significantly enhance your ability to express the objects you wish to draw.
Practice Exercises for Mastering the Basics
If you are a beginner, these exercises will help you effectively practice basic shapes. All you need is a pencil and paper, remaining in the same position. Start with the following exercises:
Exercise One
- Draw random lines.
- Create long vertical lines.
- Draw short vertical lines.
- Sketch several closely spaced vertical lines.
- Practice drawing these lines from right to left, then from top to bottom, and lastly in the opposite directions.
- Repeat the same process again.
Exercise Two
- Draw various geometric shapes, such as squares, in different sizes each time.
- Create another square overlapping the previous one.
- Repeat this exercise multiple times to gain better control over your drawing.
Exercise Three
- Draw a rectangle.
- Divide it into four intersecting horizontal and vertical lines.
- Then, divide it using four diagonal lines from left to right, and draw four lines in the opposite direction.
- Repeat this exercise on squares and rectangles of different sizes.