Drawing medium

An expression in which line and shading build form is implied.

Visual traits

• drawn lines
• contours
• shading

Expected changes

• Lines and contours are more likely to carry form

Definition

Drawing medium is a broad category for media used to make lines, contours, and shading. It does not determine an individual material such as pencil, charcoal, or ink, a specific drawing technique, or finished style.

In more detail

It is used to frame an image as line-led expression before choosing a particular material. It is distinct from painting medium, printing method, digital brush, subject, and composition.

Includes

• A broad medium specification for line- and shading-led drawing

Excludes

• Individual drawing materials, painting media, printing methods, or particular styles

What this does not imply

• An individual material such as pencil or charcoal, a particular style, subject, or composition

Variability

Material, line weight, and amount of shading can be adjusted separately.

Usage

• Use it as a broad medium specification

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify the individual drawing material separately

Typical uses

• Specify drawing expression before choosing an individual material

Possible failure modes

• It becomes fixed as a particular material
• Painterly coverage becomes dominant