2.1 Drawing Materials & Processes

2-D media

Drawing includes many media: graphite, charcoal, ink, pastel, colored pencil, and paint (watercolor, acrylic), plus printmaking and mixed media. Each has its own marks and feel.

Dry vs. wet

Dry media (graphite, charcoal, pastel) blend and layer; wet media (ink, paint) flow and wash. Choosing media to suit your idea is part of your artistic decisions.

Technique

Techniques like blending, hatching, stippling, washes, and layering give control over value and texture. Skillful handling of materials strengthens your work.

Key terms

Drawing media

graphite, charcoal, ink, pastel, colored pencil, paint

Dry media

graphite, charcoal, pastel — blend and layer

Wet media

ink, watercolor, acrylic — flow and wash

Techniques

blending, hatching, stippling, washes, layering

Media choice

a deliberate decision to suit your idea

Try an AP-style question

Charcoal is valued for…

1. precise fine lines only
2. waterproof layers
3. bright color
4. rich darks and easy blending