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3000 BCE
Primitive Tools and Cave Walls
The first evidence of manmade drawings can be traced back to the pre-historic era. During this time, art was created using primitive tools, such as grindstones and wedge-shaped animal bones. Drawings were scratched, carved, and painted onto cave walls, as exemplified by the cave walls of Altamira and Lascaux. This early form of art was generally inspired by nature and wildlife. -
3000 BCE
Ink and Papyrus
In Ancient Egypt, art was formed using materials that were unique to the region's resources. Indeed, artists created pictures by applying ink to papyrus. This paper-like material was produced from the pithy stem of a water plant, which grew along the Nile River. In this way, ancient Egyptians were able to develop a flat, linear style, which they used to carve scenes of daily life, deities, and hieroglyphics. -
700 BCE
Pottery
In Ancient Greece, pottery was used as a medium for artistic creation. Beautiful vases and pottery pieces were decorated instead of cave walls and papyrus scrolls. These vases and works of pottery often showcased scenes of myths and battles while truly exemplifying the Greek style of drawing. Their pottery pieces were typically made of clay materials. -
400
Wood, Slate, and Wax Tablets
Throughout the Middle Ages, the amount of drawings produced was limited by the lack of resources. Indeed, animal hides and parchment paper were considered relatively expensive goods. As a result, wood, slate, and wax tablets were used by artists during this time. That being said, these tablets were oftentimes thrown away, reused, or recycled after use. -
400
Canvases and Painting
Although the lack of resources severely limited the prevalence of preserved drawings, that is not to say drawings ceased to exist during the Middle Ages. Instead, artists drew directly onto their canvases. After doing so, they would paint over these drawings, thereby erasing the content underneath. Religious messages and Bible stories were common themes among artists. -
1450
Pen and Ink
During the Renaissance, artists commonly utilized the traditional pen-and-ink duo to create their pieces. For example, Renaissance artists like Bosch and van Eyck are well-known for their inked drawings. At the time, drawing was significant because it served as the foundation for other types of art. Students who were interested in painting, sculpture, or architecture would first study the basics of drawing. -
1450
Chalk and Charcoal
Prominent Renaissance artists like Bosch and van Eyck are noted for their inked drawings during this time. Despite this, the popularity of softer drawing materials (such as chalk and charcoal) significantly rose as well. Michelangelo and da Vinci, for example, used these softer materials to create a variety of textures and effects that pens could not easily imitate. -
Watercolor and Ink Washes
During the Baroque Period, a new trend emphasizing movement and liveliness emerged. The use of watercolor and ink washes increased during this era, for such materials provided artists with the means to capture flowing lines. Watercolor is a somewhat transparent, water-based paint, whereas ink wash is a wet-on-wet technique for drawing. -
Drawing in Sketchbooks
The Baroque Era saw the rise of technological advancements, which allowed for the production of more artistic resources. This factor, coupled with unexplored techniques and a surging appreciation for art, led to an increase in one's accessibility to sketchbooks. As a result, artists with sketchbooks were able to draw outside of their studios. This facilitated more accurate representations of landscape drawings. -
Pencils
A pencil is a tool (generally filled with graphite) most commonly used for writing or drawing. When the Industrial Revolution allowed for the mass production of pencils, its use in the artistic world skyrocketed. With talented artists like Ingres and Goya leading this new movement, the pencil quickly became an essential tool. Today, the pencil remains a popular staple in most fields of art.