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Drawing

Drawing overview

A pastel drawing of a vase of flowers in coloured chalk on black paper
Figure caption,
A student's pastel drawing

Drawing is an important part of any art, craft or design project. Drawing from observation suggests that you have studied your subject and considered its size, shape, and details.

Drawing and mark making can be used to:

  • record observations
  • experiment with formal elements such as line and colour
  • express emotions ˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚý ideas

Click through the slideshow for examples of different drawing techniques:

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 4, A colour pencil drawing of a watermelon and a slice of watermelon, A coloured pencil study

Purposes of drawing

Drawing is a way of researching, investigating and developing ideas throughout a project. Through their drawings, artists can show how their ideas have started or changed.

Drawing can also be used to express emotion or create atmosphere. The use of colour, texture and mark making all have an impact on the finished piece.

Drawing tools and materials

Drawing materials include:

  • pencils and coloured pencils
  • graphite sticks
  • charcoal
  • ballpoint pens
  • fineline and felt tip pens
  • drawing ink
  • erasers

Different drawing tools create different effects, including erasers for removing marks and tissues for rubbing and smudging. Drawing with a combination of tools can lead to an interesting piece.

Drawing surfaces can create interesting textures and backgrounds.

Question

Why is drawing an important skill for GCSE Art and Design?