Introduction
Drawing—defined as the depiction of shapes and forms on a surface, primarily by means of lines—is a fundamental artistic skill Even before we learn to write, we learn to draw Drawing provides a primal outlet for artistic energy and ideas Artists draw for many reasons
To define their ideas To plan for larger projects To resolve design issues in preparatory sketches To record their visual observations
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts, Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, M. Kathryn Shields
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2.1 Leonardo da Vinci, Drawing for a wing of a flying machine, from the Codice Atlantico, fol. 858r. Pen and ink. Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Milan, Italy
Chapter 2.1 Drawing
PART 2 MEDIA AND PROCESSES
Leonardo da Vinci, Drawing for a wing of a flying machine
Leonardo considered whether humans might also be able to fly if the mechanics of a bird’s wing were recreated on a human scale His drawing of a flying machine illustrates a concept that had never been considered in this way before Drawing provided Leonardo with a way to express his ideas beyond what could be said in words
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts, Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, M. Kathryn Shields
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9/7/12
2.2 Leonardo da Vinci, Studies of the foetus in the womb, c. 1510–13. Pen and ink and wash over red chalk and traces of black chalk, 12 x 8¾”. Royal Collection, England
Chapter 2.1 Drawing
PART 2 MEDIA AND PROCESSES
Leonardo da Vinci, Studies of the foetus in the womb
Drawings like this are rare because the Church banned all acts that desecrated the body, including dissection Leonardo may have been allowed to record his observations because he practiced his drawing methodically and with great care Some speculate that the Church was interested in Leonardo’s observations as possible evidence of how the human soul resides in the body
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts, Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, M. Kathryn Shields
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9/7/12
Chapter 2.1 Drawing
PART 2 MEDIA AND PROCESSES
Functions of Drawing
All artists draw for the same reasons as Leonardo: as an end in itself, to think, and to prepare and plan other works Drawing played an essential role in Raphael’s planning of his fresco The School of Athens
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts, Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, M. Kathryn Shields
2.3a Raphael, Cartoon for The School of Athens, c. 1509. Charcoal and chalk, 9’4¼” × 26’4⅝”. Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Milan, Italy
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2.3b Raphael, The School of Athens, 1510–11. Fresco, 16’8” × 25’. Stanza della Segnatura, Vatican City
Chapter 2.1 Drawing
PART 2 MEDIA AND PROCESSES
Gateway to Art:
Raphael, The School of Athens Drawing in the Design Process
Raphael’s preliminary drawings allowed him to refine his ideas and perfect the image at a smaller scale
• The artist began the painting process by creating a large drawing of the work • This design, called the cartoon, was perforated with small pinholes all along where the lines were drawn • It was then positioned on the wall where Raphael intended to paint the work, and powdered charcoal dust was forced through the small holes in the cartoon s surface • The impression left behind would aid Raphael in drawing the image onto the wall
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts, Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, M. Kathryn Shields
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9/7/12
Chapter 2.1 Drawing
PART 2 MEDIA AND PROCESSES
The Materials of Drawing: Dry Media
Dry media offer the artist some unique and versatile properties
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts, Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, M. Kathryn Shields
