Here we are looking at sketching, drawing and quality of line. The importance eye-hand coordination, eye-arm coordination, visual honesty, and critical Analysis are also covered.
The drawings and works in this collection all show different ways to sketch and draw.
The beautiful marks and lines drawn in some of these images perfectly describe the shape and form of the subject being drawn or painted.
In other images shape and form are created by using shading. The artists use either cross-hatching or contrast (using light and dark shades) or both.
Other drawings were completed so that the artist may begin to understand how their subjects were made - the construction of a skeleton for example.
I hope you like them, and please tell me which ones are your favourites - and why?
Madonna and Child, Elisabetta Sirani, 1660s, From the collection of: Kunstpalast
In this drawing Sirani has used a very soft pencil gently. By going over certain lines many times Sirani has been able to create the shape of the people and to create depth (perspective) as the baby is closer to us than the ladies.
Study for an equestrian monument (recto), Leonardo da Vinci, c.1485 - c.1490, From the collection of: Royal Collection Trust, UK
This is a study for a painting. da Vinci is trying to understand the structure of the horse and rider, and how to make them look like they balance the fallen soldier.
Self-Portrait Etching at a Window, Rembrandt Harmensz.van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669), 1648, From the collection of: The Art Institute of Chicago
In Rembrandt's drawing there is no oultine to the figure. His shape comes from crosshatching and heavy shading. There are strong contrasts (the difference between light and dark) in this drawing where the natural light comes from the window.
Tiger Body, Lateral View (Outline drawing for a key figure), George Stubbs, 1724–1806, British, 1795 to 1806, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
A drawing to help understand how to draw a cat. It is easier to draw anything if we understand what it is and how it works.
Portrait of Hortense Cézanne-Figuet, the Artist's Wife, Paul Cézanne, circa 1881 - 1888, From the collection of: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
In this sketch Cezanne uses shorter pencil strokes with just enough contrst to show the ladies shape. Quick pencil marks and cross-hatching are used as shading.
Studies of an outstretched arm for the fresco 'The Drunkenness of Noah' in the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo Buonarroti, circa 1508 - 1509, From the collection of: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
A study to understand the shape and 3d form of the arm and hand. The lines acuratly describe the shape of muscles and bones under the skin.
Head of Leda, Leonardo da Vinci, c.1504 - c.1506, From the collection of: Royal Collection Trust, UK
Da Vinci uses strong lines and cross-hatching to shade and create shape. The strong lines are due to this being an ink drawing done with pen and white chalk.
Portrait of a Lady at a Drawing Table, Paul Sandby RA, 1731–1809, British, undated, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
Gentle and soft sketching can be seen underneath this soft and delicate painting. No heavy pencil marks can be seen underneath this watercolour.
Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Paul Cezanne, 1890 — 1895, From the collection of: National Galleries Scotland: National
Although not a drawing I have chosen this painting as clear lines break up the painting to make the shape of the mountain, tree and farm land.
Morning View of L'Estaque Against the Sunlight, Paul Cezanne, 1882 - 1883, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Again, clear lines and shapes are used to create the 3D form (perspective) of the houses and rooftops. The strong lines of the trees help to frame the picture and tell us where to look.
recto: Study for the Head of a Soldier in the Battle of Anghiari, Leonardo da Vinci, ca. 1504–1505, From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
Softer lines and more shading with the red (sienna) pencil on cream paper, The differences between the light and dark areas of shading help make the shape (the form)of his face.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
