Universal Principles of Art

29 DRAWING LANGUAGE

THE SYNTAX OF DESCRIPTION

In the Western tradition, drawing is a complex array of approaches to description and notation. The choice of a particular technique or strategy depends on the artist’s intention for the work.

STRATEGIES

• Simple outline

A line is drawn around the shape of an object. It can be modulated in thickness, continuity, and strength of movement (see Linear Basics on page 104).

• Contour

Lines are drawn along the contours of a form, describing the interior in more or less the same way that a contour map operates. This allows the artist to make a precise description of form, an approach often favored by sculptors.

• Hatching

Multiple lines are drawn closely together in parallel to create areas of tone. The ...