Lesson 1.1: Drawing as Seeing and Thinking

Introduction

Welcome to Lesson 1.1 of our course on Foundations of Drawing and Observation. In this lesson, we will explore the fundamental nature of drawing not just as a method for creating finished images, but as a vital tool for observation, investigation, communication, and idea generation. By the end of this lesson, you, students, will understand the various purposes of drawing in artistic practice, learn the basics of mark-making with different materials, and develop essential drawing habits that will benefit you throughout your artistic journey.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will:

Understand what drawing is for: observation, investigation, communication, and idea generation, not only finished images.
Recognize mark-making basics: line, gesture, contour, and the range of marks a pencil, pen, or charcoal can make.
Learn how to set up to draw: posture, grip, viewpoint, and working at different scales.
Establish drawing as a daily habit and understand the role of the sketchbook from day one.
Explain the purposes of drawing within a creative practice.

What is Drawing For?

Drawing serves multiple functions beyond merely creating finished artworks. It is a language for artists to communicate ideas and observations effectively. We will delve deeper into the four primary purposes of drawing: observation, investigation, communication, and idea generation.

Observation

Drawing enhances our observational skills. When you draw, you are not just recreating what you see; you are engaging with it more deeply. This process encourages you to look closely at the world around you, fostering a greater understanding of proportion, form, and spatial relationships.

Example: Observational Drawing

Consider a simple exercise where you observe a still life arrangement of fruits. As you draw, focus on how each piece of fruit reflects light and shadows. Start by outlining the basic shapes:

Choose a fruit (a simple round object like an apple).
Observe the light source and note where shadows fall.
Draw the outline of the apple, paying attention to its proportions.
Add shading to represent the apple's roundness based on the light and shadow you see.

Through this exercise, you develop your observational skills while creating a more accurate representation of reality.

Investigation

Drawing is a powerful tool for investigation, allowing us to explore and query our subjects. It can be used to analyze objects, spaces, and even ideas.

Example: Investigative Drawing

Imagine you are tasked with designing a new chair. You might start by drawing existing chairs to study their forms. Sketch different angles and notes about each design:

Identify the structure: legs, seat, backrest.
Investigate materials: wood, metal, cushioning.
Think about functionality: comfort, height, durability.

Through investigation, you may find aspects that inspire your own design, revealing the importance of drawing in the conceptual phase of creating.

Communication

Drawing allows artists to communicate ideas that words often cannot capture. It transcends language barriers, enabling connections between artist and viewer.

Example: Communicative Drawing

As an exercise, create a series of drawings about a theme, such as “community.” You could draw a park scene:

Children playing
Families picnicking
Yoga classes taking place

Each drawing conveys feelings and context about community that go beyond verbal description. As viewers, people interpret these images based on their experiences, creating shared understanding.

Idea Generation

Drawing plays a critical role in the ideation process. It allows artists to brainstorm and visually develop concepts. Quick sketches or doodles can lead to profound insights.

Example: Idea Generation Through Sketching

Use quick sketches to explore various approaches to a concept, like “nature.” Set a timer for 10 minutes and create 10 sketches incorporating:

Landscapes
Animals
Natural elements (trees, flowers)

These quick drawings will help you visualize diverse interpretations of the theme, sparking ideas for more formal works.

Mark-Making Basics

Mark-making involves the various ways lines and textures are created through different mediums such as pencils, pens, and charcoal. Understanding these basics is essential for any artist.

Line

Lines form the foundation of drawing and can vary in thickness, darkness, and style. Different line qualities convey different messages:

A sharp, straight line might indicate precision and order.
A wavy or broken line could express chaos or movement.

Gesture

Gesture drawing captures the essence of a subject quickly, focusing on movement and energy instead of precise representation. This technique is vital for working with live models or dynamic scenes.

Contour

Contour drawing involves outlining the subject. It teaches the artist to observe the edges and shapes of objects.

Example: Contour Drawing Exercise

Choose an object, like a coffee cup. Without looking at your paper, sketch the outline of the cup, concentrating solely on the object. This practice helps enhance hand-eye coordination and observational skills.

Range of Marks

Exploring the range of marks your drawing tools can create will enhance your work.

A pencil can produce varied lines by altering pressure.
Pens provide consistent marks, great for detailed work.
Charcoal allows for bold strokes and rich textures but is messier and requires careful handling.

Experimenting with these materials will give you insight into their unique characteristics and how they can be employed creatively.

Setting Up to Draw

Creating a conducive environment for drawing is crucial. You'll want to consider posture, grip, viewpoint, and scale.

Posture

Maintain a comfortable posture to enable long drawing sessions. Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor. This position supports good circulation and reduces fatigue.

Grip

How you hold your drawing tool affects the marks you create. Experiment with different grips:

Holding a pencil lightly produces fine, delicate lines.
A firmer grip can create bolder, more expressive marks.

Viewpoint

The angle from which you observe your subject influences your drawing's perspective. Familiarize yourself with viewing your subject from different angles to enrich your drawings.

Working at Different Scales

Consider the scale of your drawing. Small sketches allow for quick work and exploration, while larger pieces provide space for detail.

Exercise: Experimenting with Scale

Choose the same subject (like a plant) and draw it:

In a small thumbnail size (2x2 inches)
On a larger sheet (18x24 inches)

Recognize how the size influences your approach to the drawing and your observation of the subject.

Drawing as a Daily Habit

Making drawing a routine will significantly enhance your skills and creative confidence. Start a sketchbook practice where you make daily drawings, regardless of their quality. This habit enables you to explore ideas freely without the pressure of producing a masterpiece.

Role of the Sketchbook

Your sketchbook is a safe space for experimentation. Use it to:

Record spontaneous ideas.
Practice new techniques.
Reflect on your progress.

Encourage yourself to fill its pages; the more you draw, the more you improve.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have explored drawing as a vital mode of observation, investigation, communication, and idea generation. We have also examined the fundamentals of mark-making, the importance of proper drawing setup, and the necessity of building a daily drawing habit. This foundation sets the stage for your continued development as an artist.

Study Notes

Drawing serves multiple functions: observation, investigation, communication, and idea generation.
Mark-making includes lines, gesture, contour, and ranges of marks from different tools.
Proper setup involves maintaining good posture, experimenting with grip, considering viewpoint, and working at different scales.
Establish a daily drawing habit and utilize your sketchbook for practice and idea development.