Introduction to Drawing

Drawing is one of the oldest forms of human expression, with evidence for its existence preceding that of written communication.
 The sketches and paintings produced in prehistoric  times were eventually stylised and simplified, leading to the development of the written language  as we know it today.Drawing is used to express one's creativity, and therefore has been prominent in the world of art. Throughout much of history, drawing was regarded as the foundation for artistic practise. Initially, artists used and re-used wooden tablets for the production of their drawings. Following the widespread availability of paper in the 14th century, the use drawing in the arts increased. At this point, drawing was commonly used as a tool for thought and investigation, acting as a study medium whilst artists were preparing for their final pieces of work.Before the widespread availability of paper, 12th century monks in European monasteries used intricate drawings to prepare illustrated, illuminated manuscripts on vellum and parchment. 
Each century has produced artists who have created great drawings.

• Notable drafts men of the 14, 15 and 16 nth Century; Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Durer Michelangelo,Raphael

• Of the 17th century including; Claude, Nicolas Poussin,Rembrandt, Guercino, Peter Paul Rubens
• Of the 18th century including; Jean-Honore Fragonard, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Antoine Watteau
• Of the 19th century including; Paul Cezanne Aubrey Beardsley, Jacques-Louis David, Pierre-Paul Prud'hon, Edgar Degas, Theodore Gericault, Franciso Goya, Jon Ingres, Odilon Redon, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Honore Daumier,  and Vincent van Gogh
• Drafts men of the 20th century including; Kathe Kollwitz, Max Beckmann, Jean Dubuffet, George Grosz, Egon Schiele, Arshile Gorky, Paul Klee, Oscar Kokoschka, Alphonse Mucha, M.C. Escher, Andre Masson, Jules Pascin and Pablo Picasso 

The basic tools are a drawing board or table, pencil sharpener and eraser, and for ink drawing, blotting paper. Other tools used are circle compass, ruler, and set square. Fixative used to prevent pencil and crayon marks from smudging.

Almost all drafts men use their hands and fingers to apply the media, with the exception of some handicapped individuals who draw with their mouth or feet.

Raphael, study for what became the Alba Madonna, with other sketches

Shading is the technique of varying the tonal values on the paper to represent the shade of the material as well as the placement of the shadows. Careful attention to reflected light, shadows and highlights can result in a very realistic rendition of the image.

Line drawing in Sanguine-by Leonardo da Vinci

Pencil portrait by Ingres

References:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/. (2014). Introduction to Art/Drawing I. Available: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Art/Drawing_I#Overview. Last accessed 29 August 2014, at 05:11..