"Paintings With Personality"

I love to draw and sketch. I much prefer that than painting, although painting is fun too. I saw this woman in Rockefeller Center and loved the way the lights lit up her face. In spite of all the hustle and bustle she appeared very peaceful watching the ice skaters in the rink below. Perhaps she was thinking about the dinner she was going to prepare later, or about a faraway homeland. The drawing is on 11x14 archival drawing paper and can be found on my website.

There has been some debate lately about whether a fine artist needs to be able to draw in order to be really good. In one corner, we have those who believe it isn’t necessary to be able to draw in order to make great art. In fact, they don’t think an artist needs to be technically skilled at all. And in the other corner are those who think drawing is the bedrock of fine art. That without learning the art basics an artist can only go so far.

I want to talk about both opinions, beginning with those who think drawing isn’t essential in fine art. Those in that corner of our imaginary boxing ring say that in today’s world “all things are possible” and rules, such as learning how to draw, are constraining and keep creative growth from happening. They say there are many ways for artists to express themselves and drawing doesn’t have to be a part of them. Others say that no one need be hindered from creating because of an inability to draw. Their belief is that art is about exploration and interpretation and that drawing isn’t important in making that happen.

In the opposite corner, facing off the anti-drawing opponents are those who think drawing is an important skill and that too many people coming out of art schools haven’t learned the discipline of drawing. They think drawing can help you be a better artist, and that even abstract painters benefit from knowing how to draw. They say drawing teaches you to see like an artist. You begin to recognize shape, form, dimension, and many other things used in art making. They have compared creating art without learning to draw to trying to become a great pianist but never playing the scales, or wanting to be a renowned mathematician without learning that 2+2=4. It has also been said that when you can’t draw, you are stuck in making one kind of art, unable to grow and or change directions when you want.

Our (yours and my) place in this hypothetical boxing match is as referees. We stand in the middle, keeping the two factions from bashing one another. My opinions are my own, and you are entitled to yours as well. I agree much depends on the style and medium you choose to use; although, even sculptors and potters draw their ideas on paper before beginning to work. Just the simple act of putting a pencil on the paper and making a few marks can put you in a creative frame of mind.

Drawing doesn’t mean you are allowing rules to dictate how you work, instead you have the choice of using the rules or not, at least you know what the rules are so that you can make the choice. Those who can’t draw can do one thing only, because they haven’t learned the basics. To reach your highest potential, learn the basics and then move on from there.

Art yesterday, today and in the future is different now and will be diverse in the future. Art materials today aren’t the same as those artists had in the past, and future artists will also have new choices in art materials. The great artists will push the boundaries, the art they make will be innovative, art like we have never seen before. That work, because it is new and different will become part of history. They won’t be constrained by boundaries, but will learn the basics, do the work and follow their vision.

I knew how to draw before I decided to go into art. I don’t think I would have decided to become an art major without that ability.

As one of the referees, what do you think? Can you draw?  Later, Judy

www.judyballance.com