-
The Altamira and Lascaux Cave Drawings are the earliest known drawings in human history, dating back to 30,000-10,000 B.C.E.
-
Ancient Greek and Egyptian drawings provide us with evidence of early artistic methods, such as hieroglyphics and ink on papyrus, as well as insights into Greek and Egyptian culture.
-
European artwork in medieval times was used to represent religious messages. Much of the drawing was done as preparation for painting, and model books were used to reduce the necessity for live models.
-
Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and da Vinci began using charcoal for drawing, which allowed for greater variety in effects and textures.
-
The renaissance led to a greater commercial value of artwork with it becoming a popular item among the wealthy. Artists would even use monograms to advertise their work.
-
The invention of sketchbooks allowed artists to directly draw scenes of nature rather than having to rely on memory.
-
Used by Peter Paul Rubens, the technique created art work which appeared to burst through the canvas.
-
Developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, these styles pushed further away from tradition and into more unorthodox ideas, using drawing to express emotion and abstract concepts.
-
Impressionism, as with other innovative styles of the 18th and 19th century, stepped away from traditional scenes usually drawn. This style was concerned with depicting the moment with lighting and color.
-
Cubism relied on the use of geometric shapes to convey ideas of artwork to the viewers.