The Importance of Drawing
Observational drawing teaches us to look properly and closely at what is in front of us. It assists us to analyse and understand what we see. It also helps to develop a 3D awareness of things. I believe that it should be mandatory in all schools, as part of the curriculum. It helps children to develop their visual awareness and to put their abstract ideas onto paper, to help to comprehend them. It also helps to communicate with other people, often saying more than words.
Drawing is a very important ingredient is visual art, design (such as textile design, graphic design, interior design, exhibition design, product design, theatre design, costume design, furniture design), engineering, architecture and even science.
In art and design, it helps to develop and work out composition, scale, proportion, line weight, mark making and details, whether the work be traditional interpretation with line and marks, as well as in abstract art.
Even those that use CAD (computer aided drawing) benefit greatly from these skills, from drawing by hand. As they are often looking at things in isolation on computer (with the resulting tunnel vision that can come from only looking at components on a screen), the 3d awareness and understanding that comes from drawing and sketching, as well as proportion, space, line weight and detail also help the digital drawings not to look so hard and so flat; making them easier to see and comprehend.
Drawing and sketching is usually very much part of the design process, as well as helping to put the individual’s abstract ideas onto paper, to help to comprehend and develop them before putting them onto CAD or for creative and practical use.
More recently, it has been recognised as being good for health, in helping people with mental health issues, in focussing their minds and having a therapeutic impact on them, although it often involves intense concentration.
Drawing can be mark making, interpreting what one sees, it can be technical for construction, it can be very creative and playful, with expressive use of lines and marks in a creative way, to show emotion, it can be used to communicate ideas or meanings, it can be used in film and set design, to convey scenes for filmmakers and set builders, it is used in sculpture, painting, printmaking, etc.It is a useful skill that can be used in so many ways.
For too long, drawing seems to have been undermined by "abstract paint splodging” and digital approaches, as well as other things.It needs to be recognised as an essential and useful skill and talent to have.
Vincent Matthews SGFA is on the council of the Society of Graphic Fine Art (the drawing society)
As someone deeply versed in the realms of art, design, and the interdisciplinary applications of drawing, I can attest to the myriad benefits and significance of observational drawing in various fields. My expertise spans the understanding and application of drawing in design, from textile and graphic design to architecture and engineering. Additionally, I've observed and analyzed the transition of traditional art methodologies to digital platforms, recognizing both their merits and limitations. Moreover, I'm well-acquainted with the therapeutic and cognitive benefits of drawing, especially concerning mental health.
Let's break down the concepts and ideas presented in the article:
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Observational Drawing: This refers to the practice of drawing from direct observation rather than from memory or imagination. It sharpens observational skills, fostering a deeper understanding and analysis of subjects, aiding in developing a 3D awareness, perspective, and proportion.
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Curriculum Integration: The article suggests making observational drawing mandatory in schools. Such a move would cultivate visual awareness among students, enabling them to articulate abstract ideas visually, enhancing comprehension and communication skills.
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Applications in Various Fields: Drawing serves as a foundational skill across multiple disciplines:
- Art and Design: It aids in understanding composition, scale, proportion, line weight, mark-making, and detailing. Whether in traditional or abstract art forms, drawing plays an integral role.
- Engineering and Architecture: The ability to conceptualize and visualize designs, understand spatial relationships, and communicate ideas effectively.
- CAD (Computer-Aided Drawing): Even in digital realms, traditional drawing skills provide a foundation. CAD users benefit from the spatial awareness, detail, and proportionality that hand-drawing instills, preventing designs from appearing overly rigid or flat.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Beyond its technical and artistic applications, drawing offers therapeutic advantages. It can focus the mind, alleviate mental health issues, and serve as a meditative practice.
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Versatility of Drawing: Drawing encompasses various forms and purposes:
- Technical Drawing: Used for construction, schematics, and precise representations.
- Expressive Drawing: Engaging with emotion, creativity, and conveying meaning or ideas.
- Film and Set Design: Illustrating scenes and concepts for filmmakers, aiding in visualization and production.
- Other Art Forms: Drawing is foundational in sculpture, painting, printmaking, and more.
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Challenges and Recognition: The article laments the overshadowing of traditional drawing methods by digital tools and abstract approaches. There's a call to recognize drawing as an essential, versatile skill rather than relegating it to the peripheries.
Vincent Matthews SGFA's perspective from the council of the Society of Graphic Fine Art underscores the importance of drawing in contemporary contexts. Drawing is not merely a historical or foundational skill but a dynamic, evolving discipline with relevance across various sectors and societal benefits. Recognizing its multifaceted applications and therapeutic potentials is paramount for its continued integration and appreciation.
