Nature's Challenge

I have discussed before about the benefits of sketching from nature and that there is always time to start.

Today, I would like to recommend a book on this very subject, "The Elements of Drawing" by John Ruskin. Although first published in 1857, the lessons about drawing still ring true today because it is basic drawing skills from nature. The book is available through (Amazon.com) but you have to commit the time outdoors to get any benefit from your purchase.

In this age of allowing the computer to complete our drawings, this book is a must practice and I have personally owned two copies in the past thirty years.

History of Drawing

It's too early to tell how the how the computer is going to effect the look of art in years to come. Art historians were quick to point out when the of the knowledge of perspective influenced the look of paintings after the 1500's and how the paintings looked more photographic after the invention of the camera in the mid-1800's.

Drawing was just about dead in art schools in the 1950's when abstract expressionism and pop art was all the rage but drawing education pressed on because good draftsmanship was still needed in advertising and graphic design.

The late 1980's thru the 1990's saw the emergence of the computer and many artists who had previous drawing skills were found pushing a mouse to create art. Art looked flat without much movement.

Today, I am happy to say that drawing is back with the emergence of tablets and touch screen computers. Software so sophisticated that it can mimic a pencil point or brush with over 1000 points of sensitivity. Just look at what is taking place in architecture today.

My only concern is the the young artists who grew up learning drawing from a mouse. They were in art schools at a time when drawing studios were being replaced with computer labs. Their art production will be noted by historians in the years to come and it may not be pretty.