Fascinating History of Art and Sketching: The Development of Modern Sketches! - By: David Albright

What did man do when he could not write or speak a common language? He drew, of course! Man has been using the art of sketching and painting since pre-historic times to put forth his thoughts – it shows the effort of the human race to attain knowledge and spread the word throughout. The earliest pencil was not at a pencil but was a sharp edged stone with which humans could ‘sketch’ what they wanted to. Soon after coal pieces were found to have a typical ‘coloring’ property and thereafter he found that the sketching was more distinct. However due to lack of technological advancement back then, they found that most of what they sketched faded, washed away (during rains) or wore down eventually. Animal blood was also used for painting back then!

The Fascinating History of Sketching!

Surprisingly enough, some of the paintings have been found in some continents! It is only nature’s mercy as how the paintings managed to survive the ravages of nature for millenniums at end! Egyptians and the Chinese invented the art of making paper. Ancient Indians too had made progress in preparing a ‘base’ for writing and sketching but these were mostly dried thick leaves of trees. Using a sharp tool, they would etch on them and then ‘color’ the engravings with burnt carbon mixed in water! Man has been an innovator since we ever arrived on the face of earth! When paper was more or less invented such that it could be preserved for long enough, was when the art of modern sketching started.

It all started from simple stick figures, signs and symbols to full portraits of kings and rulers. Pencil sketching was achieved inventing the reed pen – which used ink that was actually ‘soot’ mixed in oil/ water. Interestingly, though the drawing medium was continuously worked upon, the source of the ink/mark remained the same – carbon. Then graphite was accidentally discovered; it had a unique property to leave a very distinct mark on the sheet of paper and was found to last for ages without fading. But then there came a sudden turn of events where sketching was almost stopped due to unknown reasons and the real emphasis was laid on painting. But this art was not something to be forgotten and the painters developed their own methods of sketching, buffing and correcting pictures and portraits!

Modern Sketching

Modern sketching started with the use of pencil where a ‘sandwich’ method was used to manufacture pencils. A lead/graphite piece would be sandwiched between two pieces of wood and the tool would then be used for writing or drawing. It soon became an artist’s favorite tool and became an integral part of the drawing tools of the artist. With famous artists came to the fore – the absolute art of sketching and even fine arts. Great artists would then make random pencil sketches that would be preserved in the future and would be worth millions of dollars! And here we stand on the threshold of technology where computer sketching has captured the scene!

About the Author

Visit strokeonpencildrawing.com to learn how to do pencil drawing.

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