History and Communication of Drawing

Study Notes

Drawing History and Development

Drawing activates multiple brain regions: frontal lobe (reasoning, planning, movement, emotions, problem-solving), parietal lobe (movement, orientation, recognition, perception of stimuli), occipital lobe (visual processing), temporal lobe (perception, memory), and cerebellum (movement).
One of the oldest forms of human expression in the arts.
Drawing involves making lines, areas of tone, and using a plane surface.

Drawing in Communication

One of the oldest forms of human expression, existing before written communication.
Paleolithic art is the oldest form of prehistoric art, with pictograms depicting objects and abstract concepts.
Neolithic sketches and paintings were eventually stylized and simplified into symbol systems (proto-writing) and later into early writing systems.

Drawing in Manuscripts

Before paper was widely available, European monks in the 12th century used intricate drawings to create illustrated, illuminated manuscripts on vellum and parchment.

Drawing in Science

Drawing diagrams of observations is essential for scientific study.
In 1609, Galileo Galilei used telescopic drawings to explain the changing phases of Venus and sunspots.

Drawing as Artistic Expression

Drawing allows for expressing creativity.

Distinctions between Drawing and Painting

Traditional drawings are monochrome, whereas modern colored-pencil drawings can blur the lines between drawing and painting.
Drawing differs from painting in Western terminology, even though similar media are often used.
Dry media, traditionally associated with drawing (e.g., chalk), are also used in pastel paintings.
Drawing can be done with liquid media, applied with brushes or pens.

Timeline of Drawing Development

Paleolithic: Pictograms depicting objects and abstract concepts.
Neolithic: Symbol systems (proto-writing) that evolved into writing.

Drawing

Often exploratory, focusing on observations, problem-solving, and composition.

Categories of Drawing

Figure Drawing: Depicting the human form in various shapes and postures.
Cartooning: Humorous depictions often with captions, symbolic and satirical representations.
Doodling: Unconscious or unfocused drawings.
Freehand Drawing: Drawing without instruments.
Technical Drawing: Detailed and precise diagrams or plans conveying information about object functions or construction.

Drawing Methodologies

Line Drawing: Images consisting of straight or curved lines against a background, without shading or gradients.
Stippling: Creates a pattern with small dots suggesting varying degrees of solidity or shading.
Pointilism: Painting technique using small, distinct dots of color to form an image.
Shading Techniques:
- Hatching: Creating tonal or shading effects using closely spaced parallel lines.
- Cross Hatching: Using lines placed at an angle to each other.
- Contour Hatching: Using lines that follow the contours of the subject.
- Stippling: Creating a pattern with small dots suggesting varying degrees of solidity or shading.
- Circulism/Scumbling: Drawing very tiny overlapping and intertwining circles.
- Smudging/Blending: Rubbing or swiping graphite to create soft tonal values.

5 Principles of Shading

Highlight: Shows where light hits an object.
Shade Area: The place where light does not hit the surface.
Shadow: An area on the ground showing where light is coming from.

Description

Explore the evolution of drawing as a fundamental form of communication and artistic expression. This quiz covers the brain functions activated by drawing, its prehistoric origins, and its significance in manuscripts. Delve into the historical context and artistic techniques that have shaped drawing through the ages.