Process and Product: Drawing

Part of Process and Product

Explore activities, ideas, and artworks to learn more about drawing techniques- and get inspired to create! This unit features a video with a contemporary working artist who makes drawings, image galleries of drawings from the National Gallery's collection, an explainer that dives into the basics of drawing, and a lesson for beginner experimentation with various drawing techniques. This resource is intended for grades 6-12.

The image shows a rooftop and upper story of a building, likely observed from an adjacent structure. The focus is on the steeply sloped roof with dormer windows, a chimney, and ornate trim. The building has rounded arch windows, some open, and a narrow balcony. The style is characterized by stippled brushstrokes, creating a textured effect. The color palette consists of muted whites and grays. In the distance, another building is partially visible, suggesting an urban setting. The perspective highlights the architectural details of the structure.
Aurelia Arbo, Wrought Iron Balcony Rail, c. 1936, pen and ink and gouache on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.11864

Grade Level

Subject

Language

Hear From an Artist About His Work

In this video, artist Michael Booker discusses drawing and his approach to art as a form of healing.

After you watch the video, discuss these questions.

  • What is the source of the artist’s inspiration?
  • What does he see in a blank piece of paper?
  • What choices does he make as he draws?
  • What interests you about drawing?

Drawings From the National Gallery of Art

Artists depict subjects using different drawing tools and methods. Look at each of the groups of drawings and think about these questions.

  • How did the artist use scale, color, line, and shape?
  • Which tools were used to make a drawing?
  • Which steps did the artist take in making the drawing?
  • Where did the artist use drawing, hatching, or blending?
  • What feeling or story does each drawing communicate? Why do you think that?
  • What surprises or inspires you about these drawings?
This is a drawing of a balcony and shuttered windows. The image shows a wrought iron balcony with decorative railing patterns and windows with closed shutters. The shading technique highlights the texture and depth of the ironwork and shutters.
Aurelia Arbo, Cast Iron Balcony Rail, c. 1936, pen and ink and gouache on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.11717
The image shows a hand bell on a horizontal post, with a window in the background composed of four rectangular panes. The color palette is primarily black and white, emphasizing textures and shading. The bell is positioned centrally in the lower portion of the image, slightly angled to the right, while the window occupies the upper left corner.
Aurelia Arbo, Cast Iron Bell, c. 1936, pen and ink on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.8679
The image shows a building's façade at an angle, capturing balconies, a streetlamp, and architectural details. The horizon is not visible, focusing closely on the building's elements. The balconies, with wrought iron railings, are at the top, a streetlight is in the middle beside a store's awning. The brushstrokes are distinct, using a stippling technique for various shades against a lighter background. The color palette is black, white, and grey with stark contrast highlighting details. In the distance, there are suggestions of a street and the lower part of the building.
Aurelia Arbo, Balcony Railing, 1935/1942, pen and ink and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.16979

Arelia Arbo (1909–1993), an artist and teacher in Louisiana, contributed to the Index of American Design, a project that documents the history of American arts and crafts. Her drawings record the artistry of architectural elements in her home state of Louisiana. 
 

The image shows an abstract black and white sketch in the center, resembling a folded piece of cloth or drapery, with intricate crosshatching for texture. There is a smaller abstract shape above the main object to the right and another rounded object further to the right. The color palette is monochromatic, consisting of black ink on a white background. The large central form spans the lower left and center, with smaller shapes at the top right. In the upper left corner, there are curved and irregular lines that appear to be a handwritten inscription or part of the design.
Ralston Crawford, Eroded Conch Shell, 1947, pen and black ink on wove paper, Gift of Neelon Crawford, 2000.164.10
The image displays a series of intersecting lines and shapes composed of swirling curves and angular forms, creating an abstract composition. The arrangement of these shapes may evoke the outline of a sailboat with a mast, surrounded by triangular forms. The background features a crosshatch pattern while a horizontal band near the center may suggest a horizon. The use of bold lines and patterns contributes to its abstract nature, offering various interpretations with shapes resembling sails.
Ralston Crawford, Anchor, 1938, pen and black ink on wove paper, Gift of Neelon Crawford, 2001.133.1
The image displays intersecting lines and shapes forming a pattern of blocks and curves. The abstract design resembles a city skyline or architectural blueprints, with strong angular lines and hatched textures creating depth. Bold outlines and shaded areas contrast with open spaces, resembling windows or openings on a geometric facade.
Ralston Crawford, Lights and Plane Parts, 1940s, pen and black ink on wove paper, Gift of Neelon Crawford, 2001.133.20
The image displays bold, straight lines forming angular shapes and intersecting in an abstract composition. The lines suggest frames and structures resembling a simplified architectural layout. Small, semi-circular shapes sit below one horizontal line, resembling lamps or overhead lights. The lines and forms create an abstract interpretation of a space, hinting at architectural elements found in industrial or construction sites.
Ralston Crawford, Dog Track, Sanford, 1938, pen and black ink and white gouache on wove paper, Gift of Neelon Crawford, 2001.133.3

Ralston Crawford (1906–1978) often explored the themes of cities, buildings, machines, and industrial life in his works. He experimented with different media, including drawing, painting, and photography. 
 

The image shows a view of a wooden bridge with a criss-cross pattern on its fence, crossing a stream. The perspective is at eye level, with the bridge emerging diagonally from the left. In the background, there are trees and a faintly suggested horizon. The artwork uses delicate brushstrokes with a limited palette of sepia tones and black ink, resembling an ink wash or watercolor technique. The trees are depicted with light washes and impressionistic strokes, while the bridge and closer elements have more defined line work.
Donald Carlisle Greason, Bridge and Trees, 1959, pen and brown ink with gray and brown wash on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.644
The image shows an elevated view overlooking a body of water towards an industrial setting. The horizon line is at the top, with tall smokestacks indicating the industrial facility. Some boats are visible on the water, and there are warehouse-like structures on the left. The scene is depicted in ink with washes of beige and gray, and thin linear brush strokes outline the architectural forms and boats. The monochrome palette conveys a tranquil industrial landscape.
Donald Carlisle Greason, Gloucester, 1937, pen and black ink with brown and gray wash on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.673
The image shows a coastal scene with a structure in the foreground painted in broad, vertical brushstrokes. In the background, there is water, the coastline with buildings, and a lighthouse. The painting utilizes a monochromatic palette with hints of green and brown to create depth.
Donald Carlisle Greason, Shack on Inlet, 1937, pen and black ink with gray, green, and brown wash on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.704
The image features an elevated perspective showing a scene filled with trees and structures. The horizon is placed just above the center, obscured by dense trees dominating the composition. The trees have thick branches rendered with lively brushstrokes, conveying motion. The color palette is limited to sepia tones with black ink and hints of browns and greens. Rough lines suggest a path or open area in the foreground. In the distance, vertical lines from tree trunks provide depth. A house-like structure is partially hidden among the trees.
Donald Carlisle Greason, New Jersey Landscape, 1932, pen and black ink with brown wash and colored crayons on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.689

Donald Carlisle Greason (1897–1981) was an artist and teacher in Massachusetts. He often focused on local landscapes in his drawings. 
 

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