importance of drawing essay

How Drawing Helps Us Observe, Discover, and Invent

It feels as if we are living in uniquely precarious times. This has always been true, for some. Today, our lives and our children’s futures are being shaped by unprecedented fires, floods, pandemics, and political upheaval. Both human and non-human forces wreak havoc on our sense of normalcy and expectations of stability. In trying times, solace and inner peace can sometimes be difficult to come by. But we can still seek out quiet moments and spaces where we can open our eyes and hearts to encounters with the unknown.

The practice of drawing, with paper and pencil or whatever else is at hand, is a simple and accessible means to become more mindful and aware of our inner and outer worlds. Time slows down when we start drawing. Our attention shifts. Setting aside our worries and fears about the future, we can draw ourselves into stillness. Drawing provides an active way to engage deeply with the present moment, locating our thoughts, perceptions, and feelings, in time and space.

An exercise: Next time you are spending time with someone you love, try to capture their likeness on paper. Or choose a tree outside your window, or your coffee mug. Choose and observe closely anything or anyone you encounter in your daily life. Through the process of translating your observations into marks on paper, chances are you will be surprised by what you notice as you draw. You will observe new details, perhaps fine lines around your beloved’s eyes you had never seen before. The tree in your front yard might be taller and more majestic than you had realized, the gentle curve of your coffee mug’s handle more graceful. You might experience a heightened appreciation of the uniqueness of the subject of your drawing and a sense of wonder at their mere presence in the world. (This goes for the tree, or the coffee cup, or whatever else you choose to draw.)

Setting aside our worries and fears about the future, we can draw ourselves into stillness.

The end result does not matter. In picking up that pencil or pen, it is the process that counts. Your hand and eye, working together, may lead you to truly see that coffee cup or tree or loved one anew, as they are, perhaps more clearly than you ever have. And when you get up from drawing and get on with your life, take another moment to stop and look around. Your perceptions will be heightened. Enjoy a fresh sense of wonder. These are gifts the act of drawing can bestow.

Drawing can be many things, and drawing to observe the people or things around you is only one way to begin. Here’s another: Try lightly scribbling on your paper without looking, then look, and add to what you see. Perhaps a sea creature, a bird, a landscape? Add details and see what emerges. Draw with a partner or small group on a big sheet of paper, and take turns. If you have children in your life, try drawing with them, you will find you have a lot to teach and learn from one another. If nothing else, they will remind you of the sheer joy of making your mark on the world.

Drawing provides a protected, sheltered space to reflect on our experiences, ideas, and observations, and imagine how things might be different. As the drawing develops, we enter the virtual world of the drawing, to record what we see, or the images and stories that emerge from our minds. There are infinite methods and subjects to explore through drawing from observation or imagination. We each have our own individual curiosities and points of view, and as we look out toward the horizon of possibility, we all see something different. Drawing helps us get to know our own particular perspectives better. We become more aware of the limits of what we see from where we sit. We can envision alternatives. Looking down roads not yet taken, we may picture what adventures might await, where the process of drawing itself can take us. We can follow a suggestion, a squiggle, shadow, or smudge, and see where it leads.

Drawing is always a negotiation between what we see and what we know. It leverages the ways we have evolved to think with our whole bodies as we interact with the environments in which we find ourselves. Cognitive scientists who study human gesture have revealed how we use our hands to think — much more than we realize, especially when confronting a difficult problem. When we draw, we leave traces of our gestures on paper, to be examined, extended, and reconfigured later on. We sometimes find in our drawings more than we realized we put down. When an experienced drawer holds a pencil, the tip of the pencil is mapped onto the area of the brain that controls the hand, as if it were simply part of the body. The pencil, while in use, is an integral physical extension of the hand . The eye, hand, pencil, and mind are one.

The pencil and the blank page becomes a physical extension of our minds. We draw out two- and three-dimensional models of real and invented objects, actors, and scenes, pull them apart, and put them back together in new ways. We sometimes say we need to “turn things over in our minds” when we feel the need to analyze a subject thoroughly. We want to get “on top” of a situation, “cover” a topic, “uncover” the facts, or put something “to the side.” Spatial analogies permeate our thinking so completely that, like gesture, we often don’t notice them. Drawing gives us a place to explore spatial analogies and metaphors.

Drawing is always a negotiation between what we see and what we know. It leverages the ways we have evolved to think with our whole bodies as we interact with the environments in which we find ourselves.

During the long lockdowns of the pandemic, drawing helped people cope . When so much we had taken for granted was no longer available, paper and pencils were still at hand, helping to connect us with others through our imagination. For those on the front lines during the pandemic’s early days, drawing was also helpful when it came to processing and sharing difficult experiences. Heidi Edmundson, an emergency medicine consultant in the UK’s National Health Service conducted weekly wellness sessions for her medical team during the height of the pandemic. “Drawing often enables people to express emotions that are difficult to say,” she explains in an essay on the British Medical Association’s blog. “For some drawing let them acknowledge or accept feelings that they were unaware that they had.”

COVID-19 was certainly not the last calamity to so quickly and radically transform the fabric of our daily lives. This fall, returning to school, children in Kharkiv and across Ukraine drew pictures of damaged houses to try to make sense of the disaster. None of us knows what is coming next. But as humans, we can rely on the strengths of our species that have allowed us to survive thus far: our drive to understand and grapple with the time and place in which we find ourselves, to struggle to comprehend apparently incomprehensible events in order to survive.

Drawing is a practice that takes time and patience to develop. Over time, it becomes a habit that can help slow down and make meaning out of otherwise random, disconnected experiences. We learn to find beauty in unexpected places. We can use drawing as a tool of thought to enhance our abilities to observe, discover and invent. In the face of global pandemics and ecological disasters, everything we can do to cultivate and nurture human resilience, ingenuity, and understanding matters. Our continued existence and perhaps all life on earth depends on how well we are able to think and work together to imagine and build a future world we all want to live in. Drawing together, metaphorically but also literally, could play a part.

Andrea Kantrowitz , an artist and educator, is Associate Professor and Director of the Art Education Program at SUNY New Paltz. She leads workshops and symposia on art and cognition around the world. She is the author of “ Drawing Thought: How Drawing Helps Us Observe, Discover, and Invent .”

Essay on Drawing

500 words essay on drawing.

Drawing is a simplistic art whose concern is with making marks. Furthermore, drawing is a way of communicating or expressing a particular feeling of an artist. Let us focus on this unique form of art with this essay on drawing.

                                                                                                              Essay On Drawing

Significance of Drawing                                    

Drawing by itself is an art that gives peace and pleasure. Furthermore, learning the art of drawing can lead to efficiency in other mediums.  Also, having an accurate drawing is the basis of a realistic painting.

Drawing has the power to make people more expressive. It is well known that the expression of some people can’t always take place by the use of words and actions only. Therefore, drawing can serve as an important form of communication for people.

It is possible to gain insight into the thoughts and feelings of people through their drawings. Moreover, this can happen by examining the colour pattern, design, style, and theme of the drawing. One good advantage of being able to express through drawing is the boosting of one’s emotional intelligence .

Drawing enhances the motor skills of people. In fact, when children get used to drawing, their motor skills can improve from a young age. Moreover, drawing improves the hand and eye coordination of people along with fine-tuning of the finger muscles.

Drawing is a great way for people to let their imaginations run wild. This is because when people draw, they tend to access their imagination from the depths of their mind and put it on paper. With continuous drawing, people’s imagination would become more active as they create things on paper that they find in their surroundings.

How to Improve Drawing Skills

One of the best ways to improve drawing skills is to draw something every day. Furthermore, one must not feel pressure to make this drawing a masterpiece. The main idea here is to draw whatever comes to mind.

For drawing on a regular basis, one can make use of repetitive patterns, interlocking circles , doodles or anything that keeps the pencil moving. Therefore, it is important that one must avoid something complex or challenging to start.

Printing of a picture one desires to draw, along with its tracing numerous times, is another good way of improving drawing skills. Moreover, this helps in the building of muscle memory for curves and angles on the subject one would like to draw. In this way, one would be able to quickly improve drawing skills.

One must focus on drawing shapes, instead of outlines, at the beginning of a drawing. For example, in the case of drawing a dog, one must first focus on the head by creating an oval. Afterwards, one can go on adding details and connecting shapes.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Drawing

Drawing is an art that has the power of bringing joy to the soul. Furthermore, drawing is a way of representing one’s imagination on a piece of paper. Also, it is a way of manipulating lines and colours to express one’s thoughts.

FAQs For Essay on Drawing

Question 1: Explain the importance of drawing?

Answer 1: Drawing plays a big role in our cognitive development. Furthermore, it facilitates people in improving hand-eye coordination, analytic skills, creative thinking, and conceptualising ideas. As such, drawing must be used as a tool for learning in schools.

Question 2: What are the attributes that drawing can develop in a person?

Answer 2: The attributes that drawing can develop in a person are collaboration, non-verbal communication, creativity, focus-orientation, perseverance, and confidence.

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Feeling Artsy? Here's How Making Art Helps Your Brain

Malaka Gharib

Credit: Meredith Rizzo/NPR

A lot of my free time is spent doodling. I'm a journalist on NPR's science desk by day. But all the time in between, I am an artist — specifically, a cartoonist.

I draw in between tasks. I sketch at the coffee shop before work. And I like challenging myself to complete a zine — a little magazine — on my 20-minute bus commute.

I do these things partly because it's fun and entertaining. But I suspect there's something deeper going on. Because when I create, I feel like it clears my head. It helps me make sense of my emotions. And it somehow, it makes me feel calmer and more relaxed.

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Making Art Is Good For Your Health. Here's How To Start A Habit

That made me wonder: What is going on in my brain when I draw? Why does it feel so nice? And how can I get other people — even if they don't consider themselves artists — on the creativity train?

It turns out there's a lot happening in our minds and bodies when we make art.

"Creativity in and of itself is important for remaining healthy, remaining connected to yourself and connected to the world," says Christianne Strang , a professor of neuroscience at the University of Alabama Birmingham and the former president of the American Art Therapy Association .

This idea extends to any type of visual creative expression: drawing, painting, collaging, sculpting clay, writing poetry, cake decorating, knitting, scrapbooking — the sky's the limit.

"Anything that engages your creative mind — the ability to make connections between unrelated things and imagine new ways to communicate — is good for you," says Girija Kaimal . She is a professor at Drexel University and a researcher in art therapy, leading art sessions with members of the military suffering from traumatic brain injury and caregivers of cancer patients.

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Can poetry keep you young science is still out, but the heart says yes.

But she's a big believer that art is for everybody — and no matter what your skill level, it's something you should try to do on a regular basis. Here's why:

It helps you imagine a more hopeful future

Art's ability to flex our imaginations may be one of the reasons why we've been making art since we were cave-dwellers, says Kaimal. It might serve an evolutionary purpose. She has a theory that art-making helps us navigate problems that might arise in the future. She wrote about this in October in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association .

Her theory builds off of an idea developed in the last few years — that our brain is a predictive machine. The brain uses "information to make predictions about we might do next — and more importantly what we need to do next to survive and thrive," says Kaimal.

When you make art, you're making a series of decisions — what kind of drawing utensil to use, what color, how to translate what you're seeing onto the paper. And ultimately, interpreting the images — figuring out what it means.

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"So what our brain is doing every day, every moment, consciously and unconsciously, is trying to imagine what is going to come and preparing yourself to face that," she says.

Kaimal has seen this play out at her clinical practice as an art therapist with a student who was severely depressed. "She was despairing. Her grades were really poor and she had a sense of hopelessness," she recalls.

The student took out a piece of paper and colored the whole sheet with thick black marker. Kaimal didn't say anything.

"She looked at that black sheet of paper and stared at it for some time," says Kaimal. "And then she said, 'Wow. That looks really dark and bleak.' "

And then something amazing happened, says Kaimal. The student looked around and grabbed some pink sculpting clay. And she started making ... flowers: "She said, you know what? I think maybe this reminds me of spring."

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Through that session and through creating art, says Kaimal, the student was able to imagine possibilities and see a future beyond the present moment in which she was despairing and depressed.

"This act of imagination is actually an act of survival," she says. "It is preparing us to imagine possibilities and hopefully survive those possibilities."

It activates the reward center of our brain

For a lot of people, making art can be nerve-wracking. What are you going to make? What kind of materials should you use? What if you can't execute it? What if it ... sucks?

Studies show that despite those fears, "engaging in any sort of visual expression results in the reward pathway in the brain being activated," says Kaimal. "Which means that you feel good and it's perceived as a pleasurable experience."

She and a team of researchers discovered this in a 2017 paper published in the journal The Arts in Psychotherapy . They measured blood flow to the brain's reward center, the medial prefrontal cortex, in 26 participants as they completed three art activities: coloring in a mandala, doodling and drawing freely on a blank sheet of paper. And indeed — the researchers found an increase in blood flow to this part of the brain when the participants were making art.

This research suggests making art may have benefit for people dealing with health conditions that activate the reward pathways in the brain, like addictive behaviors, eating disorders or mood disorders, the researchers wrote.

It lowers stress

Although the research in the field of art therapy is emerging, there's evidence that making art can lower stress and anxiety. In a 2016 paper in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association , Kaimal and a group of researchers measured cortisol levels of 39 healthy adults. Cortisol is a hormone that helps the body respond to stress.

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They found that 45 minutes of creating art in a studio setting with an art therapist significant lowered cortisol levels.

The paper also showed that there were no differences in health outcomes between people who identify as experienced artists and people who don't. So that means that no matter your skill level, you'll be able to feel all the good things that come with making art.

It lets you focus deeply

Ultimately, says Kaimal, making art should induce what the scientific community calls "flow" — the wonderful thing that happens when you're in the zone. "It's that sense of losing yourself, losing all awareness. You're so in the moment and fully present that you forget all sense of time and space," she says.

And what's happening in your brain when you're in flow state? "It activates several networks including relaxed reflective state, focused attention to task and sense of pleasure," she says. Kaimal points to a 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology , which found that flow was characterized by increased theta wave activity in the frontal areas of the brain — and moderate alpha wave activities in the frontal and central areas.

So what kind of art should you try?

Some types of art appear to yield greater health benefits than others.

Kaimal says modeling clay, for example, is wonderful to play around with. "It engages both your hands and many parts of your brain in sensory experiences," she says. "Your sense of touch, your sense of three-dimensional space, sight, maybe a little bit of sound — all of these are engaged in using several parts of yourself for self-expression, and likely to be more beneficial."

A number of studies have shown that coloring inside a shape — specifically a pre-drawn geometric mandala design — is more effective in boosting mood than coloring on a blank paper or even coloring inside a square shape. And one 2012 study published in Journal of the American Art Therapy Association showed that coloring inside a mandala reduces anxiety to a greater degree compared to coloring in a plaid design or a plain sheet of paper.

Strang says there's no one medium or art activity that's "better" than another. "Some days you want to may go home and paint. Other days you might want to sketch," she says. "Do what's most beneficial to you at any given time."

Process your emotions

It's important to note: if you're going through serious mental health distress, you should seek the guidance of a professional art therapist, says Strang.

However, if you're making art to connect with your own creativity, decrease anxiety and hone your coping skills, "by all means, figure out how to allow yourself to do that," she says.

Just let those "lines, shapes and colors translate your emotional experience into something visual," she says. "Use the feelings that you feel in your body, your memories. Because words don't often get it."

Her words made me reflect on all those moments when I reached into my purse for my pen and sketchbook. A lot of the time, I was using my drawings and little musings to communicate how I was feeling. What I was doing was helping myself deal. It was cathartic. And that catharsis gave me a sense of relief.

A few months ago, I got into an argument with someone. On my bus ride to work the next day, I was still stewing over it. In frustration, I pulled out my notebook and wrote out the old adage, "Do not let the world make you hard."

View this post on Instagram left this(very common saying)on the back of the x1 bus going downtown,for anyone A post shared by malaka🥀gharib (@malakagharib)on Jul 10,2019 at 5:54am PDT

I carefully ripped the message off the page and affixed it to the seat in front of me on the bus. I thought, let this be a reminder to anyone who reads it!

I took a photo of the note and posted it to my Instagram. Looking back at the image later that night, I realized who the message was really for. Myself.

Malaka Gharib is a writer and editor on NPR's science desk and the author of I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir .

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12 Benefits of Drawing

Discover the transformative power of Drawing with our blog on the 12 Benefits of Drawing. From enhancing fine motor skills to fostering creativity, this comprehensive blog explores how Drawing contributes to cognitive development, Emotional Intelligence, and Problem-Solving abilities.rhi

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Beyond the strokes of a pencil, Drawing cultivates fine motor skills, enhances problem-solving abilities, and sparks creativity. This blog will explore the transformative Benefits of Drawing beyond pencil strokes, highlighting its positive impact on the mind, body, and soul. 

Table of Contents  

1) What is Drawing? 

2) Incredible benefits of Drawing 

   a) Enhance your communication skills 

   b) Boost your creativity 

   c) Optimise your memory function 

   d) Enhance your emotional intelligence 

   e) Enhances problem-solving abilities 

   f) Enhances focus 

   g) Elevates fine motor skills 

   h) Boosts coordination 

   I) Fosters cognitive development 

   j) Enhances planning and analytical skills 

   k) Boost brain activity 

  l) Enhance observational skills 

4) Conclusion 

What is Drawing?  

Drawing is a timeless and fundamental form of visual expression, serving as a means to communicate ideas, emotions, and observations. At its core, Drawing involves the creation of images through the use of lines, shapes, and tones on a surface, typically paper.  

It is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, allowing individuals to convey their unique perspectives and creativity. The act of Drawing is not limited to skilled artists; rather, it is a skill that anyone can develop with practice and dedication.  

Furthermore, it serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, enabling individuals to externalise their thoughts and feelings in a tangible form. From the simplest doodles to intricate masterpieces, Drawing spans a spectrum of complexity, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. 

Drawing comes in various forms, including pencil sketches, ink illustrations, charcoal renderings, and digital art, each offering its own set of possibilities and challenges. It is a process of observation, interpretation, and execution, requiring a keen eye, a steady hand, and an understanding of fundamental artistic principles. 

Incredible Benefits of Drawing   

Drawing is a transformative practice with multifaceted benefits. It enhances observation skills, fosters creativity, and promotes self-expression. Through consistent practice, Drawing cultivates patience, sharpens focus, and encourages a growth mindset.  

Beyond personal development, it serves as a universal language, bridging communication gaps and fostering a deeper connection with the surrounding world. Below are the various benefits of Drawing explained in detail. Have a look: 

a) Enhance your communication skills   

Drawing is a potent tool for enhancing communication skills. Beyond words, visuals can convey complex ideas with clarity and impact. Through Drawing, individuals can articulate concepts, emotions, and narratives more vividly, fostering effective expression.  

Furthermore, this visual language transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, enabling universal understanding. Additionally, as a collaborative medium, Drawing encourages active listening and interpretation, strengthening interpersonal communication.  

Moreover, whether in professional settings, educational environments, or personal interactions, harnessing the power of Drawing enhances one's ability to communicate with nuance, depth, and a visual eloquence that words alone may sometimes struggle to achieve. 

b) Boost your creativity

Drawing is a catalyst for unlocking and boosting creativity. Engaging in the act of Drawing stimulates the imagination, encouraging individuals to explore new perspectives and envision unique possibilities.  

It also serves as a platform for experimentation, allowing the mind to roam freely and generate innovative ideas. The process of translating thoughts into visual form promotes cognitive flexibility, breaking down mental barriers.  

Regular Drawing practice fosters a creative mindset that extends beyond the paper, influencing problem-solving skills and original thinking. Whether through doodles or intricate illustrations, Drawing nurtures creativity, transforming it from a latent potential into an active, expressive force in daily life. 

c) Optimise your memory function   

Drawing serves as a powerful tool for optimising memory function. The act of visually representing information reinforces neural connections, aiding in information retention. When we draw, we engage both hemispheres of the brain, enhancing cognitive processing.  

Moreover, visualising concepts through Drawings provides a mnemonic device, making it easier to recall details and relationships. This multisensory approach taps into spatial and associative memory, deepening our understanding of the subject matter.  

From mind maps to diagrams, Drawing becomes a mnemonic aid, optimising memory recall and fostering a more profound grasp of ideas. It transforms the learning experience into a dynamic, visually anchored process that strengthens cognitive functions. 

d) Enhance your emotional intelligence   

Drawing serves as a unique pathway to enhance emotional intelligence. Through artistic expression, individuals can externalise and explore complex emotions, fostering self-awareness. Exploring the creative process cultivates empathy, as artists must connect with their subject matter on a profound level.  

Analysing and interpreting visual cues in Drawings, whether personal or others', sharpens emotional perception. The act of creating visual narratives provides a therapeutic outlet, aiding in emotional regulation.  

Overall, Drawing functions as a visual language for emotions, enabling individuals to understand, express, and navigate their own feelings, as well as empathise with the emotional experiences of others. 

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e) Enhances problem-solving abilities  

Drawing is a potent catalyst for enhancing problem-solving abilities. The visual representation of ideas on paper encourages a spatial and holistic understanding of challenges. It facilitates brainstorming, allowing individuals to explore multiple solutions simultaneously.  

The iterative nature of Drawing promotes trial and error, honing critical thinking skills. Sketching diagrams and flowcharts clarifies complex concepts, aiding in systematic problem analysis.  

Moreover, Drawing nurtures creativity, unlocking unconventional approaches to problem-solving. Whether in design, engineering, or daily decision-making, the visual thinking cultivated through Drawing becomes a dynamic tool, empowering individuals to approach problems with innovative perspectives and efficient solutions. 

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f) Enhances focus   

Engaging in Drawing serves as a powerful method to enhance focus and concentration. The meditative nature of the creative process demands present-moment attention, redirecting the mind from distractions.  

The act of carefully observing details, refining lines, and shaping forms cultivates a state of flow, promoting sustained concentration. Through this immersive experience, Drawing becomes a form of mindfulness, sharpening cognitive focus and reducing mental clutter.  

Whether sketching simple shapes or intricate scenes, the rhythmic motion of Drawing channels mental energy, fostering a heightened sense of concentration that extends beyond the artistic endeavour into various aspects of daily life. 

g) Elevates fine motor skills   

Drawing is a dynamic exercise that significantly elevates fine motor skills. The precise control required to manipulate Drawing tools enhances hand-eye coordination and dexterity. From the nuanced strokes of a pencil to the intricate details of shading, these activities refine and strengthen the small muscles in the hands and fingers.  

This continuous refinement contributes to improved motor control, aiding in tasks that demand precision. Whether sketching, hatching, or blending, the diverse movements involved in Drawing create a comprehensive workout for fine motor skills, making it an enjoyable and effective way to enhance manual dexterity and control. 

h) Boosts coordination   

Drawing serves as a potent tool for boosting coordination. The intricate dance between vision and hand movements required during artistic expression hones both gross and fine motor skills. Precision in stroke placement, varying pressure, and fluidity in transitioning between different elements demand acute hand-eye coordination.  

As artists translate mental images onto paper, they engage in a dynamic process that enhances spatial awareness and the seamless integration of visual information with physical action. This deliberate coordination not only refines artistic abilities but also extends its benefits to daily activities, fostering a more synchronised and agile relationship between perception and motor response. 

I) Fosters cognitive development  

Drawing is a catalyst for robust cognitive development. The process of translating thoughts into visual representations engages various cognitive functions. It stimulates memory as individuals recall and reproduce images, fostering neural connections.  

Problem-solving skills are honed as artists navigate composition and proportions. Additionally, the constant decision-making involved in choosing colours, shapes, and techniques enhances critical thinking.  

Drawing promotes spatial reasoning, refining the ability to perceive and manipulate objects mentally. Whether creating simple sketches or intricate illustrations, the cognitive demands of artistic expression make Drawing a holistic exercise that nurtures mental agility, contributing significantly to overall cognitive development. 

j) Enhances planning and analytical skills   

Drawing is a powerful tool that enhances planning and analytical skills. The process of envisioning an image and executing it on paper requires meticulous planning, encouraging individuals to break down complex ideas into manageable components.  

Artists must analyse spatial relationships, proportions, and composition, fostering a structured approach. Whether sketching architectural designs, mapping out concepts, or creating intricate illustrations, Drawing demands foresight and strategic thinking.  

More importantly, this practice refines analytical skills as artists assess visual elements and plan the execution of their ideas. Through this creative process, Drawing becomes a dynamic exercise that sharpens planning and analytical abilities across various domains. 

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k) Boost brain activity   

Engaging in Drawing provides a significant boost to brain activity. The intricate coordination between vision, creativity, and motor skills activates various regions of the brain simultaneously.  

The act of translating mental images into tangible Drawings stimulates neural connections, promoting cognitive function. This dynamic process enhances focus, memory, and problem-solving skills, contributing to overall mental agility.  

As individuals immerse themselves in the creative flow of Drawing, brain activity intensifies, fostering a heightened state of awareness. Whether sketching simple shapes or complex scenes, the cognitive demands of artistic expression make Drawing a powerful stimulant for brain function, encouraging both creativity and cognitive prowess. 

l) Enhance observational skills   

Drawing serves as a potent catalyst for enhancing observational skills. The practice of closely examining subjects, capturing nuances of form, light, and shadow, sharpens one's ability to perceive details. Artists learn to scrutinise the world with heightened attention, translating visual information into precise strokes.  

Through this deliberate observation, individuals develop a keen eye for proportions, textures, and spatial relationships. Whether sketching from life or studying reference materials, Drawing hones the power of keen observation, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. This enhanced perceptual acuity not only benefits artistic endeavours but also extends its impact on daily life, enriching the way individuals interact with their surroundings. 

Conclusion  

In conclusion, the benefits of Drawing are a multifaceted gift to personal and cognitive development. From enhancing fine motor skills to fostering creativity and sharpening observational prowess, Drawing is an enriching journey. Embrace the creative process, unlock its potential, and witness the profound impact on your skills, mind, and life. 

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What Is The Purpose of Drawing?

Through drawing we learn to look., through drawing we learn to explore., through drawing we build our understanding..

Through drawing we communicate our ideas.

Through drawing we express and share our emotions., drawing might be an end in itself, or it might be a starting point towards other creative activities such as painting, sculpture, design and craft., and just as importantly, drawing enables us to assimilate information relating to other curriculum areas too, such as science, history and geography..

Our urge to draw is as old as we are. Unfortunately, all too often we get persuaded OUT of drawing. But by remembering that drawing serves many purposes, and can be many different things, we can make sure drawing remains useful and enjoyable to as many people as possible.

This is a sample of a resource created by uk charity accessart. we have over 1500 resources to help develop and inspire your creative thinking, practice and teaching., accessart welcomes artists, educators, teachers and parents both in the uk and overseas., we believe everyone has the right to be creative and by working together and sharing ideas we can enable everyone to reach their creative potential..

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Student Essays

Essay on Drawing | Why I Love Drawing Essay For Students

Drawing is the process of using a pencil, pen or other drawing instrument to make marks on paper. It’s an art form that has been around for centuries and has always held great importance in society. The word “draw” comes from the Old English verb “dragan,” which means “to carry.” Its Latin root, “trahere,” means “to pull” or “to draw.” Drawing is about translating an idea into a visual format, often with time taken to explore different ways of making marks on paper until one feels right.

Read the following short & long essay on drawing that discusses brief history, meaning, importance and benefits of drawing. This essay is quite helpful for children & students for school exam, assignments, competitions etc.

Essay on Drawing | Short & Long Essay For Children & Students

Drawings are made with different kinds of tools and techniques, such as the ballpoint pen or pencil. There are a lot drawing instruments in the world which can help people draw what they want.

>>>> Related Post:     Essay on Art For Children & Students

Brief history of Drawing

Drawing is the technique of applying mark-making material to a surface. It’s one of those skills that we take for granted in this digital age, and yet it’s a skill that has been practiced in one form or another by every culture throughout history, whether on cave walls, parchments, animal skin or paper.

The history of drawing is the visceral history of human culture; it’s the way we’ve defined ourselves as people, telling stories, recording our surroundings and communicating our ideas.

Drawing is Easy

To draw is to put down lines, textures or colors that describe figures, forms and shapes. The act of drawing can be practiced by anyone; it does not require specialized tools beyond a piece of paper and writing utensils (e.g., pencils). Some people practice drawing as an art form (i.e., visual arts), or in a general manner as required by functional needs (e.g., quick sketches, architectural drawings).

My Hobby Drawing

People who love to do a drawing as their hobby, they will choose some kind of art that the most fit with their favorite style. For example: people who love to do a sketching will buy some good quality pencils and paper together with a nice sketchbook so that they can draw anytime and anywhere they want. However, many of them will choose to go to a bigger space where there is a good lighting and a big table so that they can easily sketch on their project.

People who love to do some painting will have some brushes, oil paint and canvas ready at home. When they feel boring or when they want to express something, they will bring all the art materials out and start their project.

Drawing vs Art

Drawing is a form of art where you use a pencil or a marker to create an image on paper. This can include sketching, doodles, cartoons, portraits or more complicated images that are finely detailed. If the image is on paper and you used some type of writing utensil to create it, then it’s a drawing!

Why people enjoy drawing?

Drawing is a great way to relax and de-stress. Also, drawings look beautiful on your bedroom or living room walls. No matter the age, there is always something new to learn about drawing. It could be learning to draw realistic eyes or learning different shading techniques. It is a great exercise for keeping the brain agile. As you continue to draw, especially if you are drawing objects that are unfamiliar to you, you are engaging the part of your brain that is responsible for problem solving

Drawing for children

Drawing drawing is not only child’s play, but also an important tool for his intellectual and creative development, as well as a means of expression.. Most parents believe that drawing is an act of scribbling, so they do not pay attention to this, that is a big mistake! Drawing – it’s not just scribbling. This is something more than that. To draw means to show imagination, fantasy and memories. Drawing is a means of expression for children (and adults). And it is the best way to develop fine motor skills, this is very important. When you draw, you move your hands and fingers, make shapes with your hands. This is the best way to work out.

>>>>> Also Read:    Essay on An Ideal Teacher For Students   

Today we have entered into the computer age. The field of drawing has also been profoundly impacted by drawing. There are a lot of drawing software in the world – but few people can draw artwork by using them. Some of them say “Drawing is simple” but if you are not professional, it is difficult to become familiar with the software. The fact that drawing by using these software has many rules which you need to know.

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The Importance of Drawing – Benefits Explained

• Digital Art
• Updated April 19, 2023
• 10 minute read

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon affiliate partner, I may earn from qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure .

Key Takeaways

• Drawing is an alternative method of expression to actions and words.
• Drawing is a vital communication avenue allowing children and adults to express their feelings and thoughts.
• Drawing is an excellent way to cultivate your emotional intelligence while boosting your creativity.
• Drawing reliefs stress and anxiety.
• Drawing helps your child communicate their ideas, dreams, and, most importantly, feelings.
• Boosts problem-solving capabilities.
• Improves hand-eye coordination.
• It helps increase the capability to focus on a single task while increasing attention span.
• Aids in understanding math and writing.

Drawing Is Important To Us Humans

You are greatly mistaken if you think drawing is merely scribbling with paper and color. Drawing is an excellent way to express your emotions, capture memorable moments, and use your free time constructively.

Envisioning The World

You cannot always describe how you feel or what is going on in your mind. That is why drawing is important. You can give your emotions color and shape. Some artists choose to keep such intimate drawings to themselves, while others let the public revel in their beauty and complexity.

Hand-Eye Coordination

We must admit drawing takes some getting used to. You can nurture your hand-eye coordination with practice, and in no time, you can draw with better precision. This is an excellent learning opportunity for kids and adults.

Communication

Drawing is a language like any other. Instead of hearing or listening to it, you need to look at it to understand what is being said. As such, it is a very effective method of visual communication. 

It doesn’t matter if you are drawing a mid-century drawing with sophisticated features or a simple one with lines and shapes. What’s important is that whoever sees your drawing can understand you.

Do not try too hard to make your drawing understandable to everyone. Most people understand messages in drawings from an environmental, cultural, or relatable angle. As such, people who do not relate to your situation, environment, or imagination may have trouble making sense of it.

Analytical Skills and Problem-Solving

Some artists say that their drawings just come about, meaning they do not put serious thought into them as they unfold. Others must analyze each aspect and determine whether it’s the best feature to communicate their concept.

Either way, drawing is an activity that requires sound decision-making. You have to decide everything from drawing material, concept, colors, patterns, and mode of display. This hardly means that the entire drawing has to be decided and planned out before your pencil touches paper, far from it.

More often than not, a mishap pops up here and there, and you have to assess the situation and choose the best way to resolve it without ruining the entire drawing. Sometimes, you have to erase everything and start afresh.

Drawing demands more focus than writing or drawing. Your thoughts have to be precisely directed at the concept you are trying to relay. That being said, it is an excellent way to give yourself some no-gadget time.

If you want your drawing to come out perfectly, you need to concentrate. Whether you are drawing something before you or an image out of your imagination, keeping your mind clear is important in achieving success. 

Concentration is vital in ensuring that they are not distracted at school, either. And when an artist is fully focused on drawing, they enter a state that is called flow .

Style Acquisition

Artists are perceived to have a unique point of view. Their drawings communicate regular concepts in an unconventional design that most people cannot easily conjure up.

If you are an aspiring artist or just someone who enjoys drawing, you can cultivate this stylish perception with practice. You can experiment with different color gradients, patterns, and measurements until you find one that best relays your thoughts and emotions.

You have seen hundreds of talented individuals making a lucrative living off of careers like graphic design. Such creativity and sense of style are nurtured from drawing at the most basic level. You can try out how different aspects look on paper and on a computer.

Understanding

Some elementary school teachers have encouraged children to draw shapes like cylinders, cubes, and rectangles when calculating mathematic solutions.

Drawing helps you to understand something better while you try to create it. You can encourage your child to draw items you use in day-to-day activities so they can understand them better.

It is also an excellent way to enhance your memory. It is close to impossible to forget something you took your time to draw. It doesn’t have to be the simple things taught in elementary school.

If you are having trouble with a project at work or college, try making an illustration. They are popularly known as flow diagrams and are an effective way to simplify complex theories into points you can name off the top of your head.

There is no shortage of hobbies and pastimes, and drawing can be yours. While we encourage kids and adults to start drawing as early as possible, we must remember that we are all gifted differently. As such, some people may have wilder imaginations and more articulate drawings than others.

That does not mean that any is less worthy. If you enjoy drawing, go for it! You can squeeze in a session or two over the weekends or whenever you have some free time. If your kids enjoy it, too, you can make it a family routine.

Drawing Is Important For Your Child

Did you know that drawing is essential to your child’s development ? When children develop fine motor skills, they may not be able to write neatly just yet.

However, drawing is versatile and does not demand neat lines and specific patterns. Whether their drawings are comprehensible or not, they are a great way to exercise creativity. Here are some of the reasons that portray the importance of drawing.

Improves Child’s Articulation

Actions and words are not the only means of expression available to us. We can efficiently use drawings to relay our thoughts and feelings. Children find it harder to eloquently articulate their feelings with words or non-verbal cues in their younger years. That is why it is essential to encourage your kids to draw.

You can get started with simple coloring pencils and a plain drawing book and scale it up as they get better at it. Letting your child nurture ideas and portray them on paper will not only help them to express their feelings but also be more confident while doing it.

Sharpens Motor Skills

Introducing drawing to your kids at a young age is an excellent way to put their motor skills to the test and even encourage them to attain that firm grip.

It is unrealistic to expect them to draw perfect cartoons of you immediately, but you will notice that their drawing gets better with time. That shows that they can accurately translate what they are thinking or seeing into a drawing anyone can understand.

Let’s not forget all the finger muscle exercises involved in serious drawing. S cribbling aids in concentration and coordination as well.

You can encourage your child by buying drawing books that have simple shapes and patterns, then take things up a notch gradually. Sometimes it helps to let them figure it out on their own, and their minds have a very active imagination.

Nurtures Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving is an essential ability that can determine how fast your child can think on their feet even as they or get older. What better way to nurture it than to encourage them to draw?

They have to make simple but vital decisions , such as what shape or color goes best with their drawing. If they are drawing a person or animal, they have to figure out how to make it look real and, in the process, discover that they can connect different body parts with lines.

You can even engage them later so they can tell you how they drew their picture or why they chose a certain color. Drawing encourages your child to think outside the box instead of following a “preset” pattern.

Wild Imagination

Your child has thoughts that run wild to depict different aspects of your home, surrounding, or school. You cannot expect a younger child to write an elaborate fictional story, but you can get them started on that journey with drawing sessions. They can draw what they see around them with different aspects of their imagination.

Why is this important? All the innovations in the world today result from individuals who were bold enough to embrace their imagination. If your child needs help exercising their imagination, you can encourage them with picture books and illustrations that will inspire them. 

Showing interest in your child’s work by asking them to explain their drawings can help them focus their thoughts and gradually improve their drawing.

Prepares Your Child For School

Drawing is the perfect way to introduce your child to the world of learning. It encompasses all the foundational skills of focus, understanding, and motion to help your child think logically and come up with drawings that represent their thoughts and feelings.

This applies to children who are almost joining the school and those who are in school already. Drawing is the stepping stone to more complex concepts such as writing, numbers, and the alphabet.

You do not need to break the bank to encourage your child to draw. Get them coloring pens, crayons, or chalk with a plain book, sheets, or a blackboard.

Encourage them to use their tablets, phones, and iPads. They have excellent resources that can inspire your child’s imagination.

Drawing Is Good For Your Brain

Did you know that spending unnecessarily long hours on your mobile gadgets or social media negatively affects your brain? Your brain releases a hormone known as endorphin from the thrill and distraction brought about by these activities.

As such, you may find yourself glued to your screen and unable to handle work, house chores, or even school. You end up feeling exhausted from doing nothing and being overall unproductive.

Drawing, on the other hand, actively engages your brain and makes it more alert. It spikes your logical thinking and creativity , resulting in magnificent ideas.

Wholesome brain engagement causes it to grow so you can develop more excellent ideas and become more productive.

Even doodling has been found to increase memory performance . Which only showcases that drawing does have real benefits for us.

Drawing Is Good For Your Mental Health

A significant number of both children and adults are suffering from different kinds of stress and anxiety. The hassle of everyday work or school makes it easy to get overwhelmed.

However, there is nothing like a quiet drawing session to get your spirits up. We aren’t saying it’s a substitute for therapy or medication, but it might be the second-best thing.

You can get a pretty serene spot in your backyard or room and let your imagination inspire your drawing. As long as you let go of all other worries and focus on your drawing, you will find that you can unwind and forget whatever it is that’s bothering you. Spontaneous drawing can act as a stress relief mechanism .

However, we recommend you refrain from comparing yourself to other artists. As individuals, drawings are unique to their artists, and finding two that look the same is nearly impossible. Take away the pressure of being “perfect” and allow yourself to enjoy some drawing time.

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Writing on Drawing

Essays on drawing practice and research.

Edited by Steve Garner

Increased public and academic interest in drawing and sketching, both traditional and digital, has allowed drawing research to emerge recently as a discipline in its own right. In light of this development, Writing on Drawing presents a collection of essays that reveal a provocative agenda for the field, analyzing the latest work on creativity, education, and thinking from a variety of perspectives. Bringing together contributions by leading artists and researchers, this volume offers consolidation, discussion, and guidance for a previously fragmented discipline. Available for the first time in paperback, it will be an essential resource for artists, scientists, designers, and engineers.

192 pages | 47 halftones, 3 tables | 7 x 9 | © 2008

Art: Art--General Studies

View all books from Intellect Ltd

• Table of contents
• Author Events
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“This book captures the range of current debates, each contributor addresses themes that are significant to the development of drawing both as a practice and as a critical discourse. The book helps to outline an intellectual frame of reference for drawing practices, and allows an interdisciplinary conversation around the role of these activities in the wider world. This is an impressive achievement, as an academic who wishes to explore drawing as a cognitive process and as an artist working in the mass mediated world where the language of drawing has found a vital role, this book will be invaluable for me and to my students.”—Mario Minichiello, Birmingham City University

Mario Minichiello, Birmingham City University

“The past decade has seen a change of attitude towards drawing. Its importance as an element in human intelligence is now widely appreciated. However, there has not been a clear picture of research in the field or an agenda for future investigation. Writing on Drawing fills this gap. It gives an insight into current work and it is clear that a paradigm shift is underway. Drawing is, of course, strongly identified with art and design but it is now being seen in a much broader context. The contributions to this book give a new insight into this fascinating activity.”

Ken Baynes, Loughborough University

“Most  art libraries have nothing in their holdings that quite resembles this book. . . . Recommended.”

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I write about drawing a lot. I write about how to draw, how to draw more, and how to draw in your own way. But what about  why we draw?

This is going to sound melodramatic, but I say this in all seriousness: Drawing has had a profound impact on my life. Without drawing, I don’t know who I would be, where I would be, or how I would deal with everything that happens in life. Drawing is the most powerful tool I have.

But again, why? Why is drawing so powerful? What does drawing do for me? Why do I draw? I’ve been thinking about these questions for a long time, and my answer comes in 3 parts.

1. Drawing helps me see the blobbies inside me

I tend to bottle things up and push things down. It’s taken me 30 years of life to realize this doesn’t work, and eventually everything just crashes down in a wave of exhaustion and confusion. I’ve realized how easy it is to be unaware of my inner thoughts and feelings and how deeply important it is to be in tune with them. So now I’m trying to become more aware of how I’m feeling, and drawing is aiding that process.

Over the years, drawing has evolved from something I did for fun, to something I did for my job, to something that opens up a channel to my inner self. Besides talk therapy , drawing is the only thing I’ve found that can help me see what’s really going on inside.

Almost every time I sit down to draw in my sketchbook, what comes out is a direct reflection of how I’m feeling in that moment. My sketchbook becomes a visual diary that can illuminate feelings I didn’t realize I had. I turn off my thinking brain, move my pen across the paper, then look down and think, ‘Why did I draw a big, bulbous toad with his belly hanging over his feet, droopy eyes, and a dead pan face? Oh, yeah. It’s because that’s totally how I feel right now.’

Drawing in my sketchbook helps me learn about myself. It keeps me honest with myself. It feeds something deep down inside of me, and it allows that something to come to the surface. I call these things blobbies, and drawing can give them a voice.

2. Drawing helps me share the blobbies inside me

These blobbies are inside all of us, and if you’re anything like me, you’re not in the habit of going around talking about them to other people. But this is why we have a stigma around mental health and why we all feel like we’re the only ones struggling with our blobbies. We put on a mask, act like everything’s ok, and in turn believe that everyone else has their stuff together.

My drawing and writing has allowed me to share these blobbies in a way I never could before. Becoming vulnerable with others and sharing what’s really inside me is powerful for both me and whoever sees my art. Because we all struggle with our own blobbies, seeing other people’s can remind us we’re not alone.

Van Gogh once wrote in a letter to his brother,

“ Does what goes on inside show on the outside? Someone has a great fire in his soul and nobody ever comes to warm themselves at it, and passers-by see nothing but a little smoke at the top of the chimney.” -Van Gogh

When I share my fire and blobbies, I’m able to connect with other people on an entirely different level. The connection you share with someone who has experienced something similar to you and the validation you feel from hearing a story similar to yours is invaluable.

I used to think that motivational quotes and emotional artwork was melodramatic and over-the-top. But now, having gone through a period of darkness, those works of art have taken on a whole new meaning. When we’re struggling, just having someone to relate to is extremely powerful. Others have been this to me when I needed it, and I aim, by sharing my own blobbies artwork, to be this to others.

3. Drawing helps me deal with the blobbies inside me

Not only does drawing help me become aware of the blobbies inside me, it also helps me clear my head by reflecting on and clarifying those thoughts and feelings.

When I sit down to draw, everything else drops away. The external world fades out and it’s just me, my blobbies, and my sketchbook. Drawing allows me to anchor myself in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past and stressing about the future. It forces me slow down. It helps me focus on the only thing going on in this one moment: this one line, this one mark, this one color.

If I begin a drawing feeling agitated, grumpy, and stressed out, I almost always finish a drawing feeling more relaxed, content, and at peace. I draw my stress. I draw my worries. I draw my blobbies—often literally. Sometimes as the blobbies leave my pen, they leave me.

Other times, the blobbies are still there inside me, but I now have more awareness and acceptance of them, instead of denial and shame. When I finish a drawing, I’m reminded that my blobbies don’t control my life, I do.  It makes me feel more accepting of who I am in this moment. Drawing reminds me that I am capable of change and growth.

Why I Draw: Drawing improves my mental health

Drawing helps me do these things, but I am still far from perfect. I have anxious thoughts, get overwhelmed, shut down, and get stuck in my own head. I can still feel insecure, powerless, stuck, exhausted, grumpy, hangry, unaware, depressed, and stressed out. Sometimes my blobbies run the show without me even knowing.

I am so very imperfect.

But that is precisely why I need drawing.

Thanks for reading, and I hope drawing can do the same for you.

Let me know why you draw by commenting below!

<3, Christine

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The Evolving Role of the Drawing

23 April 2013 By Nicholas Olsberg Essays

Read individually, drawings offer vivid and unique character portraits of their architectural authors. And today, argues Nicholas Olsberg, the dexterity of the hand is still unbeatable in quickly conveying an architectural idea

Carlo Scarpa, in a famously infamous gesture, opened all his courses in design at the University of Venice by demonstrating the art of sharpening a pencil. That was the precise point, he claimed, from which all architecture proceeds. And it was to protest against precisely such points that his students revolted in the mid-1970s, running him out of the directorship of the institute before he had barely started.

Architecture as a state of mind Nothing this rich or disputed can be thought of simply as a tool of the trade. Drawings might test, advance or sell a design idea, and the stamped, signed drawing − even now, when we file tax returns or purchase online − is still the instrument by which a building is executed and legalised. But the drawing is not a metaphor for an absent building. It is an essential and persistent element in the culture of architecture, and a means of portraying what John Hejduk called its ‘state of mind’. In Hejduk’s case, drawing was by choice the primary pursuit. In Yakov Chernikhov’s there may have been no choice, as, in Stalin’s Russia, he dreamed first of mechanistic worlds a-building and then of a metropolis of romantic pastoral concoctions already a-crumbling. Absent, even in the proposals for Palaces of Communism with which he hoped to gain favour, is any sense of a structure likely to emerge from the act of defiance against pomp and prettiness evident on paper.

In Peter Eisenman’s House VI, drawing and building are indissoluble: the house reads effectively as a model of the axonometric dream sequence by which it was conceived (see p80). For Aldo Rossi, who came to building late in a long career, the built work seemed so often to grieve for the more eloquent drawings that had conceived it, that he turned to reimagining his works after the fact, painting visual assemblies that changed their context or underlining by distortion their metaphorical relationship to their surroundings, or, as in the case shown, laying the architect’s hand on the layers of history in modern Rome.

Meeting points: drawing, thinking, showing Throughout the 1920s and ’30s, much of the essential discourse in American architecture was in a magazine called Pencil Points, and it was the visionary romanticism of drawings by people like Hugh Ferriss in Scientific American and Popular Mechanics that painted pictures of future cities, rather than the didactic models of Wright’s Broadacre or the schematics of Le Corbusier’s Ville Radieuse. As late as 1928, the architects of Los Angeles’ Westwood Village were rendering a new automobile mall in red chalk studies that could have been Hubert Robert’s nearly 200 years before. We think of Wright talking then of his draughtsman Jack Howe as ‘the pencil in my hand’, of Will Alsop encouraging the citizens of Barnsley to draw their future city with him, or of a single Frank Gehry sketch serving to tell his modelmakers everything essential about the space and form of an elaborate scheme.

Yet drawing, and especially perspective drawing, was losing favour through the early decades of the Modern Movement, as representation followed the lead of newsprint and magazine graphics, film and camerawork to more neutral and literal formats. Mies van der Rohe − though a master at sketching space, vista and volume − favoured the photomontage of models through which the radicalism of his new work could stand out from its urban context; the Hungarian Modernist Farkas Molnar turned to the simple outline drawing that would work as the cut in a mass-produced pamphlet. Others, like Bucky Fuller in his mimeo sheets or Herbert Matter in his diagrams for the Eameses, turned to the semblance of objectivity and the pseudoscientific. By the late ’50s, a practice like Gordon Bunshaft’s SOM New York had installed a daily routine of destroying all draughts and studies. All that survives of the study process in that office are the few fragments smuggled out at night by the odd Modernist who continued to value the conversation between idea, hand, eye and paper and to give credit to its result.

We know of Richard Meier’s insistence on the flat drawing table for his studio, in an effort to resist the pictorial and perspectival bias of the angled drawing board. In another setting, the Tokyo of the ’80s, the emergence of drawing as central to the public postures of a practice like Tadao Ando’s or Kazuo Shinohara’s was decried as a parade of the personal, somehow antithetical to the spirit of community. The common sticking point in all these was the tendency of the drawn sheet to display a private language, an idiosyncrasy, a pictorial ‘personality’ that defied the rational and universal formulas for reform that marked the dominant strains of the Modern.

That sense of a characteristic hand and eye is, of course, precisely why, looking back and meeting the authors on the sheets they worked, we love those drawings. It is not surprising, then, that the last great revival in drawing art came in the ’70s as architecture tried to release itself from the trio of Late Modern shackles − urban design, extreme functionalism and radical non-architecture − to which its sense of ‘autonomy’ had been surrendered. In preliminary studies over five decades, we can see this idea of a distinctive vocabulary at work and re-emerging. The obsessive Gunnar Asplund, in discovery mode, lays out a sequence of alternate elevations on a single sheet, liking the last enough to start unfolding its spatial logic. Rough as they are, each sketch carries a different weight of line to match its different sensibility. Asplund would habitually develop a full new measured drawing set for every change in a developed design, with different typography, frame lines and thickness of line, arguing that the shift in scale or feature of a single element required the modification not only of the whole built scheme but of the drawings that would rightly represent it.

Medium and message Even at their most formal, in the presentation drawing, architects at their smartest vary their approach to match the character of the drawing to the nature of the project. Richard Neutra takes pen and ink − the tools of Civil War magazine illustrators − to render his visitor centre at Gettysburg National Military Park, laying it down to greet us in elongated perspective, as a sort of sleeping geometric giant with a long tail, lying amid its bulkier landscape. The drawing begins and ends on the sheet decisively, but the white space and lack of a frame allow us to imagine the larger context − the fields upon which thousands died − in the remaining void.

Hejduk’s ‘fabrication’ of three wall houses is casually composed in magic marker, but rigorously scaled and presented as elevation, section and a tiny bird’s-eye perspective, the very ‘feast of forms’ he announces on the page. Cedric Price’s submission for La Villette, layering painted mylar channels over a unique print of the plan, shows that the essence of this veritable city of pavilions was not the emplacements themselves but the movement between and around them along a set of metaphorical ‘arcades’; at the same time its echoes of Situationist mapping make it clear that the routes and uses of the park are to be reinvented at the visitor’s whim.

It is hard to decry these advances, and therefore understandable, if very odd, that the chorus of regret surrounding the digital has extended precisely to those domains where it probably has the smallest impact. Recent homages to Lebbeus Woods are replete with references to the ‘last of the paper architects’, when the visionary and speculative tradition in architecture is surely the one where the computer has the least advantage over the paper sketch. As the Mies study shows, it cannot produce an idea at anywhere near the speed of the pencil stroke; and, as all these studies show, it can as yet capture none of the idiosyncrasy and character, the sense of haste and uncertainty, or the specific clues and coding of a designer’s instructional language to which draughtspeople and modelmakers can respond. Indeed, one hopes it soon may − as the generations brought up to visualise matter on a backlit screen in a vivid palette improvise an approach to lines on a monitor that undermine its graphic conventions and visual neutrality, and once again escape the uniform language that comes with a new technology, as Piranesi did with the etched plate, Schinkel with the steel engraving, or Mies with the photomontage. There are, however, other ways in which the virtual world may be transforming architecture, and those may be fundamental.

In such a phase of mind, I can envisage living in a more visible version of the virtual world in which Ugo La Pietra saw us dwelling 40 years ago, when he proposed a simple cell for living in which all aspects of a common urban life − a city at large − could be enjoyed by telecommunication without us ever leaving its walls. That is the phase of mind for which Diller + Scofidio built in proposing their Slow House, focused on a great vista that was simply recorded on a TV screen; their New York brasserie, whose sociability was engineered by a delayed live-cam of people walking in; or the ‘Blur’ on Lake Neuchatel in which the then-vaunted physio-phenomenology of atmospherics − an entire poetry of space − was fabricated by steam machine. Again, I am loath to look at this with alarm, when I think of the Wunderkammers of earlier times, in which all the material universe could be experienced in a single room; of the hermetic nature of a philosopher’s garden; Íor the Enlightenment maison d’un cosmopolite, where a virtual cosmos would be encased in an illusionistic livable sphere. Like them, we may undertake some follies as our consciousness of virtual and real, actuality and metaphor becomes blurred, and, like them, we’ll simply get over it.

Since 1896, The Architectural Review has scoured the globe for architecture that challenges and inspires. Buildings old and new are chosen as prisms through which arguments and broader narratives are constructed. In their fearless storytelling, independent critical voices explore the forces that shape the homes, cities and places we inhabit.

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An Essay on Drawing

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Essay on Drawing: Drawing is a universal form of expression that transcends language barriers and allows individuals to communicate their thoughts and emotions visually. Whether you are an aspiring artist or not, the art of drawing brings a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment as it allows you to create something unique and personal. Imagine writing an essay on drawing! Does it seem to be a tough one? Well, not any more.

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In this article we have provided sample essays of varying lengths to help you get started with the essay writing on drawing. These essays will cover the significance of drawing as a means of self-expression and its positive impacts on personal development.

Essay on Drawing

Whether you need a 100-word overview or a more detailed 500-word essay on the topic “Essay on Drawing”, we’ve got your back. Refer to the sample essays given below.

Essay on Drawing: 150 Words

Drawing is a timeless art form that requires nothing more than a piece of paper and a pencil. It is a way to depict your imagination and bring it to life. Drawing allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas visually, making it a powerful means of communication. It serves as an escape from reality, offering a space where we can detach ourselves from the chaos of everyday life and immerse ourselves in a world of creativity.

Not only is drawing a form of self-expression, but it also enhances cognitive skills such as observation, concentration, and problem-solving. It boosts our imaginative thinking and encourages us to think outside the box. By engaging in the act of drawing, we train our minds to pay attention to details and observe the world around us more intentionally.

In conclusion, drawing is a simple yet fulfilling activity that allows us to explore our creativity and express ourselves visually. It is a medium that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, offering a wide range of benefits for personal development.

Essay on Drawing: 250 Words

Drawing is a form of art that has been practiced for centuries, serving as a fundamental means of artistic expression across different cultures. It allows us to express our thoughts, emotions, and ideas visually, transcending the limitations of language. Drawing is not limited to professional artists; it is a form of creative expression accessible to anyone willing to explore their imaginative side.

Through drawing, we can communicate complex concepts and narratives in a simple and visually engaging manner. For instance, a single sketch can convey a story, evoke empathy, or captivate an audience. It plays a significant role in the field of design, architecture, advertising, and numerous other creative industries.

Moreover, drawing is not solely about producing visually appealing artworks; it also offers numerous benefits for personal growth and development. Engaging in drawing exercises can improve hand-eye coordination, refine motor skills, and enhance spatial awareness. Furthermore, it fosters concentration, patience, and discipline as it requires time and dedication to create a piece of art.

Additionally, drawing serves as an effective stress-reliever by allowing us to escape from the pressures of daily life. It serves as a cathartic and therapeutic outlet where we can relax and channel our emotions onto paper. Many individuals find solace in drawing, as it helps them unwind and reconnect with their inner selves.

In conclusion, drawing is not merely a hobby or a skill; it is a powerful form of self-expression and a tool for personal growth. Regardless of your skill level, picking up a pencil and letting your creativity flow can bring immense joy and satisfaction. So, take a moment to indulge in this timeless art form and uncover the artist within you.

Essay on Drawing: 300 Words

Drawing is an art form that allows individuals to visually communicate their thoughts, ideas, and creativity. It is a fundamental means of expression that engages our senses, stimulates our imagination, and captivates our emotions. The act of drawing goes beyond the simple act of applying graphics on paper – it is a form of storytelling that leaves an indelible mark on the artist and the viewer.

The process of drawing begins with observation. Whether it’s sketching a still-life, drawing landscapes, or even creating imaginary characters, observation is key. It trains our eyes and minds to pay attention to minute details, enhancing our ability to perceive aesthetics and appreciate the wonders of the world around us.

Creativity blooms within the realm of drawing. It is a gateway to our imagination, inviting us to explore the depths of our thoughts and visualize them onto paper. Drawing allows us to transform abstract concepts into tangible forms, bridging the gap between the intangible and the visible.

One of the most significant benefits of drawing lies in its capacity to improve cognitive skills. The act of sketching or illustrating hones our concentration, focus, and problem-solving abilities. It encourages us to visualize complex ideas and find innovative solutions. In addition, drawing boosts hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which can be especially beneficial for children in their early developmental years.

Moreover, drawing gives us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Each stroke of the pencil brings us closer to the realization of our vision, instilling a sense of pride in our abilities. It allows us to connect with our inner selves, offering a channel for self-reflection and self-expression.

In conclusion, drawing is a profound language that transcends words, cultures, and barriers. It empowers us to visually communicate and share our innermost thoughts and emotions. Moreover, it enhances our cognitive abilities, nurtures our creative spirit, and provides a therapeutic escape from the pressures of daily life. So, embrace the power of a pencil and let your imagination soar, for drawing is a gateway to endless possibilities.

Essay on Drawing: 500 Words

Drawing, an age-old art practice, holds the power to inspire, captivate, and transcend boundaries. This form of expression offers a myriad of possibilities and serves as a testament to the human imagination. Whether it’s a doodle, a line drawing, or a detailed masterpiece, each creation carries personal meaning and elicits unique emotions from both the artist and the beholder.

One of the key strengths of drawing lies in its ability to go beyond the limitations of language. Individuals from different cultural backgrounds and walks of life can effortlessly perceive and connect with drawings. A simple sketch can convey raw emotion, tell a story, or deliver a thought-provoking message without the need for words. This universal appeal is what makes drawing an essential and accessible form of art.

Drawing not only captures the imagination but also plays a crucial role in personal development. Artists, both amateur and professional, engage in drawing to sharpen their observation skills and enhance their ability to perceive details. When we sit down to draw, we observe and interpret the world around us, honing our visual acuity and cultivating an appreciation for aesthetics.

Furthermore, drawing stimulates problem-solving skills and encourages innovative thinking. By exploring different techniques, experimenting with composition, and tackling artistic challenges, we broaden our cognitive capabilities. This aspect is particularly significant for young learners, as drawing helps develop logical reasoning and critical thinking abilities from an early age.

In addition to its cognitive benefits, drawing offers substantial emotional and psychological advantages. Engaging in artistic activities like drawing has been proven to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and boost mental well-being. It provides an escape from the daily humdrum, allowing us to be present in the moment and focus on our creative endeavors.

Drawing serves as a form of self-expression, enabling us to convey our thoughts, emotions, and innermost desires. The act of putting pencil to paper creates a channel for releasing pent-up feelings, providing a cathartic release when words fail. The artwork becomes a testament to our experiences, dreams, and personal growth.

Drawing also fosters cultural expression and heritage preservation. Many regions worldwide possess unique artistic styles and traditions that have been passed down through generations. By engaging in drawing, individuals contribute to preserving cultural identity and honoring artistic heritage, ensuring that these art forms continue to flourish and evolve.

To foster the benefits of drawing and make it an integral part of our lives, we can encourage its practice in educational institutions, community centers, and even within our homes. Providing access to art supplies, organizing workshops, and embracing creativity will contribute to cultivating a generation of individuals who are not only proficient in academic subjects but also have the power to express themselves artistically.

In conclusion, drawing is a profound form of expression that transcends language and cultural barriers. It serves as a powerful tool for personal development, nurturing observational skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being. Whether it’s a quick sketch or a meticulously crafted masterpiece, every stroke of the pencil brings us closer to understanding ourselves, connecting with others, and celebrating the diversity of the human experience. So, embrace the practice of drawing, and let your creativity unravel on the canvas of life.

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FAQs on An Essay on Drawing

What is drawing.

Drawing is the art of creating images or representations on a surface using various tools such as pencils, charcoal, ink, or digital software. It involves capturing forms, shapes, and textures to visually communicate thoughts, ideas, or observations. Drawing can be seen as a form of self-expression and is often used to convey emotions or tell stories.

Explain the importance of drawing?

Drawing plays an indispensable role in our lives by fostering creativity, enhancing cognitive skills, promoting self-expression, and facilitating communication in countless ways

What are some of the ways to improve kids’ drawing skills?

One of the best ways to improve kids' drawing skills is to encourage them to practice drawing regularly. This can be done by providing them with a variety of drawing materials, such as colored pencils, markers, and sketchbooks, and creating a designated space where they can work on their artwork. Enrolling them in art classes or workshops and encouraging imagination and allowing children the freedom to explore different subject matters will contribute greatly to honing their drawing skills and nurturing their passion for art.

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The art of creating: why art is important for early childhood development.

Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension - January 22, 2015

Art exploration is not only fun and entertaining, but also educational. Here are some tips for growing your budding artist.

Children are naturally curious. From the minute they gain control of their limbs, they work to put themselves out into the world to see how it all works. They explore, observe and imitate, trying to figure out how things operate and how to control themselves and their environments. This unrestricted exploration helps children form connections in their brain, it helps them learn—and it’s also fun.

Art is a natural activity to support this free play in children. The freedom to manipulate different materials in an organic and unstructured way allows for exploration and experimentation. These artistic endeavors and self-directed explorations are not only fun, but educational as well. Art allows youth to practice a wide range of skills that are useful not only for life, but also for learning.

Skills youth practice when participating in art activities include:

• Fine motor skills . Grasping pencils, crayons, chalk and paintbrushes helps children develop their fine motor muscles. This development will help your child with writing, buttoning a coat and other tasks that require controlled movements.
• Cognitive development . Art can help children learn and practice skills like patterning and cause and effect (i.e., “If I push very hard with a crayon the color is darker.”). They can also practice critical thinking skills by making a mental plan or picture of what they intend to create and following through on their plan.
• Math skills. Children can learn, create and begin to understand concepts like size, shape, making comparisons, counting and spatial reasoning.
• Language skills. As children describe and share their artwork, as well as their process, they develop language skills. You can encourage this development by actively listening and asking open-ended questions in return. It is also a great opportunity to learn new vocabulary words regarding their project (i.e., texture).

In addition to helping youth develop important skills, free expression is also good for overall health and well-being. Giving your child a creative outlet can help relieve stress and work through things happening in their lives. By encouraging artistic expression, you can help facilitate learning.

Want to support your child’s artistic journey? Here are a few tips from Michigan State University Extension :

Talk with your child about their work. It’s often hard to decipher a child’s drawings, even though the child knows exactly what it is. When we ask, “What is it?” we are saying that it should look like something we’d recognize. Instead, ask open-ended questions like “Tell me about your picture.” You can also describe specific things your child is doing by saying things such as, “You’re making short lines, I see you are using red, green and blue.” You can also describe the actions your child is taking or the materials they are using by saying things such as, “You are using a soft paintbrush, I noticed you are making small circles, you are using two crayons at the same time!”

• Imitate your child . Instead of drawing your own picture, sit down with your child and imitate their actions. Make big scribbles, small lines or practice drawing circles. If your child is focused on what you are drawing or how “good” your picture is, they are less likely to be imaginative and creative on their own.
• Provide choices . Gather a wide range of materials for your child to use like paint, colored pencils, chalk, play dough, markers, crayons, oil pastels, scissors and stamps. Mix it up by bringing in unexpected materials like Q-tips, dinosaurs, dry pasta or beans.
• Support, don’t lead. Have you ever noticed that activities become much less fun when they are dictated by someone else? The same goes for kids—let them decide what materials they want to use and how and when to use them. Maybe they want to peel the paper off a crayon and use it lengthwise on the paper, instead of writing with the tip.
• Keep it open-ended. Instead of sitting down with a specific plan or outcome in mind, let your child explore, experiment and use their imaginations. They might make a big mess or change their mind several times—this is all part of the creative process.
• Focus on the process, not the product . Encouraging your child in the action of unstructured art helps them work with intrinsic motivation. It teaches them to express themselves freely, without worrying about what others think. If a lot of attention is given to the final product or we spend a lot of energy praising the end result, a child may be more likely to do things to get your approval instead of doing what they want to do. Part of focusing on the process involves encouraging effort; exploration and effort are more important than the end product. Notice their hard work!
• Let it go. As long as a child is safe (i.e., not running with scissors), let them explore. They may spend the majority of the time sharpening colored pencils instead of actually drawing with them. Children learn through playing, exploring and trial and error. When we give them freedom to discover, they are learning to create and experiment in new and innovative ways.

Get your child creating and learning—all you’ll need is a paintbrush and an open mind.

For other articles on child development, parenting and more, visit the MSU Extension website.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension . For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu . To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters . To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts , or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Here’s How Ivy League Schools Evaluate Student GPAs

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One of the main gates on the Brown University campus, decorated with the University crest. (Photo by ... [+] Rick Friedman/Corbis via Getty Images)

A stellar GPA is one of the building blocks of a successful Ivy League application, and as the school year winds down, many students are anxiously seeking to give theirs a final boost. While most students and families understand the importance of a 4.0, few are aware of how top colleges evaluate student GPAs or what they look for when reviewing student transcripts. Though your GPA may seem to be a simple metric, nothing could be further from the case—colleges consider more than just the number, accounting for complexities such as diverse grading systems across schools, trends in grade inflation, and level of course rigor.

Here are three important facts to keep in mind about your GPA as you choose your courses:

1. Your GPA isn’t directly comparable to GPAs of students at other schools.

One common misconception among college applicants is that they can compare their GPAs with those of students attending different schools. However, the GPA is not a universal metric but rather a reflection of an individual's academic performance within their specific educational environment. As a result, comparing GPAs from different schools is like comparing apples and oranges. For instance, some schools offer a plethora of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and honors courses, while others may have limited options or offer none at all. Additionally, the weight assigned to AP versus honors versus regular classes varies from school to school. So, your GPA may not hold the same weight as those of your peers at different schools, even if you all have 4.0s.

Admissions officers understand that schools vary in their rigor, curriculum, and grading policies. Therefore, they evaluate your GPA in the context of your high school, considering the courses offered and the academic challenges presented. Instead of fixating on how your GPA compares to your friends’ from other schools, focus on challenging yourself and taking advantage of all the opportunities available to you at your school.

2. GPAs across the country are inflated—and colleges know it.

The last few years have seen surges in high school student GPAs nationwide. While GPA inflation has been on the rise over the last decade, average ACT composite scores are steadily declining. “For the 1.4 million ACT test-takers in the high school class of 2023, the average composite score on the exam was 19.5 out of 36, the lowest score since 1991,” according to The New York Times New York Times . The parallel differences, coupled with academic differences across schools, suggest that GPA must be considered in tandem with multiple other factors. Simply put, an A no longer means what it used to on a transcript.

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Ivy League schools and other top colleges are well aware of this trend and evaluate student GPAs alongside other metrics such as standardized test scores and AP exam scores in order to better understand a student’s academic skill sets. While some Ivy League and other top schools remain test-optional , they still emphasize course rigor and the context from your high school profile to understand the grades on your transcript.

3. Colleges will recalculate your GPA.

Given the abundance of variables in GPA calculations, colleges often recalculate the metric to create a standardized baseline for comparison between students across different schools. The recalibration may involve adjusting for variations in grading scales or the weighting of honors, IB or AP courses. The University of California system, for example, calculates students’ UC GPAs by converting grades to grade points (an A is equivalent to four points, a B to three points and so on) for classes taken between the summer after 9th grade and summer after 11th grade, and adding one point for each honors class, and dividing by total classes taken to yield final GPA. (Variations exist for in-state versus out-of-state students and by high school. Be sure to calculate your GPA following the UC issued guidelines.)

Other colleges also take additional factors that impact academic performance into consideration, and envelop GPA into a broader, holistic consideration. For instance, the lawsuit by Students for Fair Admissions against Harvard University over affirmative action practices revealed that Harvard rates students on a scale of 1 to 6 (with one being the most desirable) in academic, extracurricular, athletic and personal categories. A student’s GPA and test scores are folded together into an academic score which “summarizes the applicant’s academic achievement and potential based on grades, testing results, letters of recommendation, academic prizes, and any submitted academic work.”

This process aims to provide a fair and equitable evaluation of students from different educational backgrounds. Keep in mind that Harvard considers not only your grades, test scores, and academic rigor in this score, but also “evidence of substantial scholarship” and “academic creativity,” which can make the difference between a 1 and a 2 in the scoring system. These systems underscore the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity, showcasing your unique personality and creativity, and seeking to maximize opportunities to improve your performance within the academic landscape of your institution.

By understanding the complex way by which colleges evaluate students’ GPAs, you are better equipped to present a comprehensive and competitive picture of your academic achievements on your transcript and stand out in the competitive Ivy League admissions landscape.

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What I’ve Learned From My Students’ College Essays

The genre is often maligned for being formulaic and melodramatic, but it’s more important than you think.

By Nell Freudenberger

Most high school seniors approach the college essay with dread. Either their upbringing hasn’t supplied them with several hundred words of adversity, or worse, they’re afraid that packaging the genuine trauma they’ve experienced is the only way to secure their future. The college counselor at the Brooklyn high school where I’m a writing tutor advises against trauma porn. “Keep it brief , ” she says, “and show how you rose above it.”

I started volunteering in New York City schools in my 20s, before I had kids of my own. At the time, I liked hanging out with teenagers, whom I sometimes had more interesting conversations with than I did my peers. Often I worked with students who spoke English as a second language or who used slang in their writing, and at first I was hung up on grammar. Should I correct any deviation from “standard English” to appeal to some Wizard of Oz behind the curtains of a college admissions office? Or should I encourage students to write the way they speak, in pursuit of an authentic voice, that most elusive of literary qualities?

In fact, I was missing the point. One of many lessons the students have taught me is to let the story dictate the voice of the essay. A few years ago, I worked with a boy who claimed to have nothing to write about. His life had been ordinary, he said; nothing had happened to him. I asked if he wanted to try writing about a family member, his favorite school subject, a summer job? He glanced at his phone, his posture and expression suggesting that he’d rather be anywhere but in front of a computer with me. “Hobbies?” I suggested, without much hope. He gave me a shy glance. “I like to box,” he said.

I’ve had this experience with reluctant writers again and again — when a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously. Of course the primary goal of a college essay is to help its author get an education that leads to a career. Changes in testing policies and financial aid have made applying to college more confusing than ever, but essays have remained basically the same. I would argue that they’re much more than an onerous task or rote exercise, and that unlike standardized tests they are infinitely variable and sometimes beautiful. College essays also provide an opportunity to learn precision, clarity and the process of working toward the truth through multiple revisions.

When a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously.

Even if writing doesn’t end up being fundamental to their future professions, students learn to choose language carefully and to be suspicious of the first words that come to mind. Especially now, as college students shoulder so much of the country’s ethical responsibility for war with their protest movement, essay writing teaches prospective students an increasingly urgent lesson: that choosing their own words over ready-made phrases is the only reliable way to ensure they’re thinking for themselves.

Teenagers are ideal writers for several reasons. They’re usually free of preconceptions about writing, and they tend not to use self-consciously ‘‘literary’’ language. They’re allergic to hypocrisy and are generally unfiltered: They overshare, ask personal questions and call you out for microaggressions as well as less egregious (but still mortifying) verbal errors, such as referring to weed as ‘‘pot.’’ Most important, they have yet to put down their best stories in a finished form.

I can imagine an essay taking a risk and distinguishing itself formally — a poem or a one-act play — but most kids use a more straightforward model: a hook followed by a narrative built around “small moments” that lead to a concluding lesson or aspiration for the future. I never get tired of working with students on these essays because each one is different, and the short, rigid form sometimes makes an emotional story even more powerful. Before I read Javier Zamora’s wrenching “Solito,” I worked with a student who had been transported by a coyote into the U.S. and was reunited with his mother in the parking lot of a big-box store. I don’t remember whether this essay focused on specific skills or coping mechanisms that he gained from his ordeal. I remember only the bliss of the parent-and-child reunion in that uninspiring setting. If I were making a case to an admissions officer, I would suggest that simply being able to convey that experience demonstrates the kind of resilience that any college should admire.

The essays that have stayed with me over the years don’t follow a pattern. There are some narratives on very predictable topics — living up to the expectations of immigrant parents, or suffering from depression in 2020 — that are moving because of the attention with which the student describes the experience. One girl determined to become an engineer while watching her father build furniture from scraps after work; a boy, grieving for his mother during lockdown, began taking pictures of the sky.

If, as Lorrie Moore said, “a short story is a love affair; a novel is a marriage,” what is a college essay? Every once in a while I sit down next to a student and start reading, and I have to suppress my excitement, because there on the Google Doc in front of me is a real writer’s voice. One of the first students I ever worked with wrote about falling in love with another girl in dance class, the absolute magic of watching her move and the terror in the conflict between her feelings and the instruction of her religious middle school. She made me think that college essays are less like love than limerence: one-sided, obsessive, idiosyncratic but profound, the first draft of the most personal story their writers will ever tell.

Nell Freudenberger’s novel “The Limits” was published by Knopf last month. She volunteers through the PEN America Writers in the Schools program.

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High Ground or High Fantasy: Defense Utility of Cislunar Space

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In 2020, the U.S. State Department and NASA launched the Artemis Accords, a set of principles designed to guide civil space exploration and use of the Moon, cislunar space, and other celestial bodies. This heightened interest in the Moon has triggered debates about the military utility of the celestial body and the area around it. The following two essays offer contrasting views on the military importance of the Moon and cislunar space. One view argues the U.S. Space Force should incorporate the Moon into its doctrinal and operational thinking. The opposing view recommends that Space Force avoid letting the Moon and cislunar space distract the service from threats and risks posed by other states to spacecraft in Earth’s orbit.

Authors: Namrata Goswami, Bleddyn Bowen, and Sam Wilson

This paper is part of a new series the Center for Space Policy and Strategy is publishing called “The Debate Series.” Each of these papers includes two essays written by analysts and pundits external to The Aerospace Corporation that hold different positions from one another. After having written their essay, the external authors had the opportunity to review the opposing essay and offer a rebuttal. Although these essays do not necessarily reflect views of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy, the Center is publishing these essays to clarify debates on national security space issues and to try to make them accessible to a broader audience.

Download this paper at: https://csps.aerospace.org/papers/high-ground-or-high-fantasy-defense-utility-cislunar-space