I've recently watched the Doc-Series of "The Secret of Drawing" Episode 1: "The Line of Enquiry" 2005 and in this blog are my top takeaways. Drawing has been a fascinating way for people to understand the world for centuries. From old masters like Leonardo Da Vinci making detailed sketches of the human body, to modern artists like Richard Long creating sculptures in nature - drawing has always been a tool for discovery, observation, and expression.
In the past, artists like Da Vinci created incredibly detailed drawings that were ahead of their time. Their work still influences people today, like surgeons who study Da Vinci's drawings to learn about anatomy. Other artists, such as John James Audubon and George Stubbs, focused intensely on animals to learn more about them and advance science.
During the Romantic period, artists like Turner and Constable used drawing to explore nature's mysteries and find spiritual meaning. Turner's watercolors, in particular, were groundbreaking in capturing light and emotion.
Today, artists like Joseph Beuys and Richard Long continue to push boundaries. Beuys involves people in his art, while Long creates art by walking lines or shaping circles from natural materials. Modern artist George Shaw captures the feeling of modern suburbs through his drawings.
"Drawing was how Leonardo saw and thought how he unlearned the mistakes of medieval Anatomy and grasped some of the human body's most intimate secrets in some cases it would be hundreds of years before science finally caught up."
Source
"The Secret of Drawing" Episode 1: "The Line of Enquiry" 2005
Drawing is still important today for understanding and expressing the world around us. Whether for science, spirituality, or personal expression, drawing has endless possibilities.
Three Things You Can Do:
- Sketch Outdoors: Take a sketchbook and pencil with you on your next outdoor adventure. Take time to really look at your surroundings and draw what you see.
- Try New Things: Experiment with different materials, like Long does with natural items. Finding your own unique way to create can give you fresh ideas.
- Share Your Art: Consider sharing your drawings online or in your community. You might spark interesting conversations and show others your perspective through drawings.
