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.

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

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?
Aurelia Arbo, Cast Iron Balcony Rail, c. 1936, pen and ink and gouache on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.11717
Aurelia Arbo, Cast Iron Bell, c. 1936, pen and ink on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.8679
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. 
 

Ralston Crawford, Eroded Conch Shell, 1947, pen and black ink on wove paper, Gift of Neelon Crawford, 2000.164.10
Ralston Crawford, Anchor, 1938, pen and black ink on wove paper, Gift of Neelon Crawford, 2001.133.1
Ralston Crawford, Lights and Plane Parts, 1940s, pen and black ink on wove paper, Gift of Neelon Crawford, 2001.133.20
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. 
 

Donald Carlisle Greason, Bridge and Trees, 1959, pen and brown ink with gray and brown wash on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.644
Donald Carlisle Greason, Gloucester, 1937, pen and black ink with brown and gray wash on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.673
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
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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Educational Resource:  Process and Product: Drawing

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.

Educational Resource:  The Elements of Art: Symbolism and Place

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Educational Resource:  Process and Product: Painting

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