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Learning about Drawing

Drawing, Classes, Naples FL

Drawing, Classes, Naples FL

Drawing is a form of visual art. In fine art, it is “the linear realization of visual objects, concepts, emotions, and fantasies, including symbols and even abstract forms” created by an artist who marks on a surface with some instrument. Drawing is a graphic art that uses form or shape, lines, and sometimes patterns to create a visual composition.

Drawing is one of the oldest forms of human expression. It began as a means of communication; people used markings and symbols to express themselves and for record-keeping. Eventually drawing developed into an art form, complete with its own is considered the foundation of all art; it is fundamental to all artistic practice even when genre, medium, and technique differs.

There are different divisions within the genre of drawing. Drawing allows artists to capture his or her three-dimensional vision and then transpose it onto a surface in two dimensions. Drawings can be created using a variety of drawing materials. Drawing instruments include pen and ink, charcoal, chalks, crayons, markers, and many others. Materials upon which drawings are made are called supports. The most common drawing support is paper; but others include cardstock, canvas (usually cotton or linen), vellum, and more. Some artists use a combination of these materials to create their drawings.

Most people think of drawing as representational; it is a straightforward, clear depiction of a physical object. Sometimes, they are created as representational sketches but are often rough or unfinished. When used to prepare for painting, they are called studies. Some drawings are abstract, however. These drawings are symbolic or expressive, using lines, shapes, and other marks to graphically represent something. While symbolic drawings are usually recognizable as the specific object they represent, the depictions are more simplified than in representational drawings. And expressive drawings communicate intangible ideas, concepts, or emotions, often capturing things like energy, feelings, or spiritual theories.

Man artists will choose to create drawings using a combination of realistic, symbolic, and/or expressive modes of composition. Whether they draft diagrams, make figure drawings or still-lifes, produce illustrations, or shape abstract forms and patterns, artists can use drawing to express their vision and share it with the wider world.

The Naples Art District is home to the largest concentration of working artists in Southwest Florida; there are over 70 professional creatives who maintain studios and galleries in the District. Member artists of the Naples Art District (NAD) share their artistic processes and the work they create with visitors to the District; they have gallery exhibits and special events like art walks and demonstrations/workshops that allow people to learn more about the creative arts, to gain a greater appreciation of visual arts as a whole. Check out the work of the member artists whenever you are in the Naples area; it is located north of Pine Ridge Road and west of Airport Road. NAD publishes an online calendar of events, classes, and workshops offered in the District. Contact the Naples Art District via their website or by phone at 239-249-1977 to find out more information.