What Is Drawing? Discovering the Basics and Benefits of Drawing
Drawing has been an essential part of creating works of art for centuries, but for some, it is still an intimidating activity. Many see it as a mysterious process or only for a special few talented individuals. The truth is that drawing is a skill that anyone can learn and use to create artwork of all kinds.
In this article, we’ll explore the basics of drawing and some of the potential health benefits associated with its practice. No matter what prior experience you have with art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and find use for in a skill like drawing.
What Is Drawing?
Drawing can often be seen as the foundation of most creative works, particularly when it comes to visual art forms. In short, drawing is the act of creating a two-dimensional composition or image by making marks on a surface. These marks are typically made with tools that transfer either dry or wet media onto the surface. Drawing is often used to depict or express ideas, or to study elements like line, tone, and form.
Some of the most basic tools for drawing are graphite pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, ink, and markers. In recent years, of course technology has opened up access to a much more vast range of tools, since artists can draw on computers, tablets, and more. However, more traditional tools still hold a special place in many creators’ hearts.
Drawing often takes a large amount of focus and patience. When creating a piece of artwork with various tools, the artist must consider not just the materials they’re using and the scene they’re conveying, but also how the lines and forms fit together. Drawing is also often used by artists to better understand perspective, proportion, use of light and shade, and to more accurately create a figure or object with the use of basic shapes and forms.
The many Benefits of Drawing
Though often overlooked, drawing can provide several distinct benefits to artists and non-artists alike. It’s an incredibly versatile activity that requires active concentration and allows individuals to use their own creativity and imagination. Here are just a few of the potential benefits of drawing:
Allows for Creative Freedom: For both experienced and inexperienced artists, drawing provides a space for imagination and creativity. Rather than attempting to reach perfection and pleasing everyone, drawing allows for self-expression without feeling judged or the need to have a finished product.
Provides Stress Relief and Mental Clarity: Drawing can be used as a way to stay present and achieve mental clarity. Taking the time to focus on the various shapes and lines on paper can help one step away from worries and stress.
Improves Problem-Solving Skills: Working through a creative project often helps to improve problem-solving skills. Drawing, in particular, helps artists to practice honing their concentration, developing different strategies to create an artwork, and thinking through creative solutions.
Aids Mental Health: Drawing can be used as an effective form of therapy in many individuals. It is especially beneficial for people who are dealing with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, because it helps one to stay mindful and enhance self-expression.
Develops Motor Skills: Drawing is a great way for children and adults alike to familiarize themselves with controlling physical objects, and is an especially beneficial activity for those experiencing certain physical disabilities, as it can help to improve coordination and motor skills.
Getting Started with Drawing
Having a great deal of skill or a certain set of supplies is not necessary to get started drawing. All an individual needs is a willingness to practice and explore! Here are some tips on becoming a better drawer:
Find Inspiration Everywhere: Inspiration is all around us and can come in many forms – from magazine cutouts, photos, everyday objects, nature, and more! Take the time to observe and appreciate the things around you and find what sparks creativity and joy.
Start with Simple Shapes: Practice drawing with basic shapes first, such as a square, triangle, or circle. It can be helpful to start with observations of patterns and forms in everyday objects, then work on more intricate designs.
Don’t Fear the Eraser: Making mistakes is a part of the creative process. Rather than being too frustrated or embarrassed with errors or less than perfect sketches, embrace them and get rid of any unwanted marks with an eraser.
Play with Different Mediums: Don’t limit yourself to plain old pencil and paper. Try other drawing tools such as watercolor, charcoal, or ink to create different effects. If using traditional media just isn’t quite your thing, playing around with digital drawings on a computer or tablet can also be a great way to have fun.
Explore Drawing with a Tutorial: There are plenty of online tutorials available on platforms like YouTube and SkillShare, as well as tutorials in physical form like books and magazines. No matter your skill level, there are lessons that can help anyone become an improved drawer.
Drawing is an activity that’s accessible to everyone, whether they’re an experienced artist or just starting out. Especially in times like these when most of us are stuck inside, exploring drawing can be a fun and creative way to pass the time. Whether it’s through the traditional means of pencils, markers and paper, or through something more tech-focused like digital drawing on a tablet, the process of drawing can be hugely beneficial to one’s physical and mental health. Taking the time to draw can help to reduce stress, promote self-expression, and improve complex skills like problem-solving and motor control. So no matter your level of expertise or the materials you have in front of you, take the time to explore and enjoy drawing.
