A drawing describes the visual art process in which a person uses various instruments to mark on a surface. Throughout history, drawing has been the fundamental means by which to communicate ideas visually. Drawing can be abstract or representational. Common drawing tools include graphite, pen and ink, charcoal—colored marking tools of various media. Prior to beginning a painting or sculpture an artist will often make numerous drawing sketches of the subject to be used as a sort of road map or reference for the work underway. Drawing is often the preferred tool that teachers of art students use to promote accurate study of perspective and anatomy.
Graphite
All pencils contain graphite, but graphite for drawing pencils contains a filler that combines with the graphite to affect hardness. The softest standard of pencil is 9b, with the hardest labeled 9h. An average writing pencil has a grade of "hb," which is mid-range for hardness. Artists use graphite for its affordability and ease of use; its versatility makes graphite the medium of choice for finely detailed portraiture and realistic renditions.
Contemporary
Contemporary art encompasses the art of today, produced by living artists. The art of today benefits from all the previous art movements in history as artists work in a wide array of mediums, formats, and styles, while transgressing art forms: music, architecture, video, performance art, living installations, technology.
More about Larry Aarons
An original “Creative Ad Mad Man.” Larry Aarons is a true native New Yorker growing up in a very tough neighborhood “very close to Fort Apache in the South Bronx.” Where he learned to survive because of his art. “I began my life as an artist. Although it took some diversions when my kindergarten teacher […]