Drawing 1 Vocabulary and basic Drawing techniques 

Composition: the arrangement of objects on a two dimensional surface.

Steps to create a composition:

1. A gesture drawing is the first step in laying out a drawing (use of repeated lines to create a composition and outline general shapes).

2. A contour drawing is a line drawing, the second step in laying out a drawing; a precise contour outline uses visual measurements to create realistic proportions in a drawing.

3. Adding value (shading) is the third step in laying out a drawing.

 Proportion: The size of something in a drawing in relation to the other objects in the drawing, using visual measurement techniques for realism.

Light source: demonstrates the direction that light is coming from in a drawing, using highlights and shadows to create the illusion of form.

Contrast: the dramatic difference between light and dark and other elements and principles (such as rough texture next to smooth texture).

Gradation: a gradual, subtle change in value.

Perspective: A drawing technique which creates the illusion of 3 dimensions on a 2 dimensional surface (height, width, depth).

Horizon line: an imaginary horizontal line at the artists eye level; in landscapes, the line where the sky seems to meet the earth

Vanishing point: an imaginary point (or points) on the horizon line where parallel lines converge (come together)

Transparent: you can see directly through the object, such as clear glass.

Translucent: some light can pass through object, such as stained (colored) glass.

Opaque: light does not pass through object, such as glass painted black.