Why Drawing Matters: Building a Strong Foundation for Artistic Expression

Why Drawing Matters: Building a Strong Foundation for Artistic Expression

This summer, I’m dedicating time to drawing studies that will serve as teaching materials for my upcoming classes. As I prepare to teach students the fundamentals of observational drawing, I’m reminded of how essential this practice is—not just for skill development, but as a foundation for all forms of visual expression. Drawing is not simply about creating a likeness; it’s about learning how to truly see. Through drawing, we train our eyes to notice structure, light, shadow, texture, and form. It sharpens our perception and deepens our sensitivity—not only as artists, but as observers of the world.

To me, practicing drawing is like building the pillars of a house. While they may not be the most visible part of the structure, they are absolutely critical. In the same way, drawing supports all other mediums—whether watercolor, acrylic, oil, or digital. If you can capture an object’s form and feeling with just a pencil, there is no medium in which you cannot express it. Once you understand the principles of structure and value through drawing, every other medium becomes a choice—not a crutch.

This body of work I’m building over the summer is more than just a collection of sketches. It’s a reflection of my teaching philosophy and my belief that strong foundations lead to creative freedom. These drawings will become resources in the classroom—tools to guide students as they learn how to observe, simplify, and express. I want them to understand that behind every great artwork is not only talent, but a solid grasp of fundamentals.
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Ultimately, I believe that when students gain confidence in their drawing, they become more courageous and creative. They stop relying on superficial decoration and start communicating through form and structure. My goal is to help them reach that point—not by rushing the process, but by grounding them in the timeless practice of drawing, one pencil stroke at a time.