Drawing is an art form that has been around for centuries. It is a way to express your creative side and be used differently.
Drawing evolved over different periods, over usage of other materials and mediums, and based on different styles.
I have broadly categorized them based on different styles, mediums, and themes drawn in this post.
Contents
Different Types of Drawing based on Themes
Portrait Drawing
Portrait drawing is a form of Drawing where the artist sketches and depicts a person’s picture. The person portrayed can be alive or dead.
The ancient Egyptians drew images on tombs, walls, and temples to portray their dead ancestors or family members.
The types of portraits that are drawn vary from realistic to more abstract.
It is one of the most sought-after drawings, and different people seek it. Some like it for its accuracy and realism, while others appreciate its artistic ability and effect.
In ancient days, a portrait drawing was usually done as an oil painting or charcoal sketch.
Nowadays, with technology and digital art, there are many more types of portraits that you can draw.
Figure Drawing
Figure drawing depicts different types of people or objects in a picture.
A figure may be human, but it can also be an animal or any other object with some form of shape and figure.
It mainly focuses on portraying the body structure accurately without much background detail. It primarily uses contour lines to represent the outer surface of the figure.
The figures you can draw are endless, and there is no set structure or pattern.
It includes depicting different poses, including standing, sitting down, gestures, running, etc., and portraying clothing differently.
Many media types are used for drawing a figure, such as a pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, etc.
Figure drawing is the basic foundation for any drawing and is a must-know skill.
Still Life Drawing
Still-life drawing is a drawing where you draw different objects inanimate, such as flowers, fruits, bowls, etc.
It is one of the oldest types of drawings and has been around for centuries.
The purpose of still life drawing is to portray the object or subject without any movement accurately. You can draw it in any style, but it is still a basic drawing for artists to learn.
According to Wikipedia, a still-life refers “to a work of art depicting mostly inanimate subject matter, typically commonplace objects which are either natural (food items, flowers, plants) or man-made (drinking glasses and dishes), in a still position.”
An artist can create Still Life Drawing using a pencil, pen and ink, watercolor painting etc.
Landscape Drawing
Landscape drawing is one of the most popular forms of illustration.
It usually depicts different natural and geographical features, such as hills, plains, forest-covered areas or any other landscape with some form of vegetation.
Landscape drawings mainly include nature scenes and are often done outdoors without using a desk or easel. It requires you to move around and observe the landscape.
The artist uses different media to create a landscape drawing, such as pencils, charcoal, pastels etc.
Color pencils are best suited for landscape drawings as they can accurately capture the color and beauty of nature.
You can also use digital tools to create landscape drawings these days.
One of the great things about landscape drawings is that you don’t need specific skills or training. All you need is a sketchbook and some landscape reference material.
There is no one landscape drawing style, and you can be as creative as you want.
Architectural Drawing
Architectural Drawings are drawings that architects do to show their clients what they want in the space and how the different parts and features of the building or structure will look.
There are different architectural drawings, such as floor plans, elevations, sections etc. It includes both exterior and interior sketches of the building and its landscape.
A lot of Mathematical calculation and precision are required for Architectural Drawing. An architect uses various media to create an architectural drawing, such as pencils, charcoal, ink wash etc.
Computer-aided design (CAD) has revolutionized the way architects work and has made Architectural Drawing easier.
People who want to learn architectural Drawing should know about perspective and easily visualize how a landscape looks in reality through pictures.
You can learn Architectural Drawing online or by attending classes in your area if you are passionate about it.
Caricature Drawing
Caricature drawing is an art where a specific prominent feature of the figure is exaggerated for comic effect. Caricatures also exaggerate features to accentuate certain traits that stand out in an individual.
It is often used to make fun of people and can be insulting or complimentary, depending on the artist’s intention.
Caricatures are usually drawn in a cartoon style.
Caricature drawings are often black and white with pencils, charcoal or ink wash on paper. It is one of the best ways to get your creative juices flowing!
One popular form of caricature drawing is the political caricature, a picture of a public figure that ridicules or comments on their appearance or behavior.
Caricature drawings are famous because they can express opinions or make social, cultural, and political statements.
Caricature drawings are prevalent on the internet and in newspapers these days. Caricatures make people look more creative, attractive or funny than they are.
Caricatures usually depict people’s faces, but you can also create caricature drawings of animals, objects etc.
Hyper-Realistic Drawing
The hyper-realistic drawing attempts to create an image that appears so lifelike that it seems to the observer that it is not a drawing.
Hyper-realistic drawings can be highly detailed and often contain elements of realism and surrealism.
Some hyper-realistic drawings are so realistic they look like photos. Hyper-realistic pictures are difficult to create because they require extreme precision and patience.
Hyper-Realistic Drawing is more than just copying what you see. It’s about seeing how something looks then recreating that with your tools of the trade (pencils, pens etc.).
You can learn Hyper-Realistic Drawing by studying some of the masters’ works or taking classes from an experienced Hyper-Realistic artist.
The sky’s the limit with Hyper-Realistic Drawing, so have fun and experiment!
Doodle Drawing
Doodle drawing is a type of Drawing that encourages creativity and free expression.
Doodle drawings are often used in school to help children practice their handwriting or when they don’t have access to writing materials.
Usually created using pen, pencils, markers etc., Doodle Drawing is great for stress relief because it’s fun and easy!
People can Doodle Draw anything they want, and there are no rules or guidelines. Doodle drawings can be simple or complex, abstract or realistic.
Doodle drawing is a great way to improve your drawing skills because it teaches you how to use your imagination and experiment with different styles and techniques.
One of the best things about Doodle Drawing is that you can’t make mistakes, as there is no right or wrong.
People of all ages can enjoy doodle Drawing!
Anamorphic Drawing
Anamorphic Drawing is a type of drawing where the image appears distorted or abnormal when viewed from any angle other than a specific angle.
To view an Anamorphic drawing correctly, you must consider it from a particular angle, and it will look realistic.
They are usually created using perspective techniques to create the illusion of depth.
Anamorphic drawings are often seen in architecture, interior design or entertainment venues where they can be used as optical illusions that will make people look twice.
People have been creating Anamorphic Drawings for centuries, but the technique became especially popular after social media sharing.
Anamorphic Drawing is a great way to play with perspective, and it’s fun!
There are no rules for Anamorphic Drawing, so be creative and experiment!
Thumbnail Drawing
Thumbnail drawing is a type of line drawing that is done to help artists plan, sketch out their ideas and design their artwork, composition, value and proportions in their artwork.
Thumbnail drawing is not a skill but a type of drawing used for a specific purpose. Small, simple drawings usually contain basic lines and shapes without many details.
Thumbnails are usually drawn in pencil to be erased and changed easily. These drawings can also be done using ink, paint and pastels depending on the artist’s needs.
Some artists might use them to plan out their entire artwork, while others might just use them to plan out the composition of their piece.
Thumbnail drawings are also used for storyboard drawings to help the artist visualize their story or idea.
The advantage of this Drawing is that one can do it quickly and easily. Thumbnail Drawings are also great because they help artists think through their artwork before creating something elaborate or detailed.
Different Types of Drawing based on Medium Used
Drawings are also categorized based on the Art materials used by an Artist. So let us go through them one by one.
Pencil Drawing
Any drawing created by an artist using Pencil and Paper is called a Pencil drawing.
Pencil Drawing is a classic because it’s simple yet beautiful!
Using a pencil as a medium, you can draw a simple drawing to a more complicated and hyper-realistic drawing.
You can use pencil drawings for various purposes, such as portraits, landscapes, still lifes etc.
The main advantage of Pencil Drawing is that it’s simple and easy to learn, and Pencils are relatively cheap.
Pencil drawings are great for beginners because you can erase them if you make a mistake while drawing, unlike Pen and ink drawings!
The disadvantages are that pencil drawings can easily smudge, and they require a lot of patience to create detailed images.
Color Pencil Drawing
Color Pencil drawings are the most popular type of Drawing. Color pencils were invented in 1795 and have been widely used ever since!
The general techniques used in color pencil drawing are layering, hatching and blending.
There is a wide variety of Color Pencil types and brands available in the market.
Using Color pencils on paper or Canvas can create beautiful drawings and paintings.
Color Pencil drawings are usually simple, but you can also create very detailed images using different colors and techniques.
One of the main advantages of Color pencil drawing is that it’s easy to learn and you don’t need any special skills or training.
The disadvantages are that colored pencils can be expensive, and Color Pencil drawings are hard to display because of their delicate nature.
Ink Drawing
Ink drawings are usually created with Ink pens, Ink markers or Ink brushes.
You can create beautiful images using Ink Drawing because it’s simple yet detailed!
People use Ink Drawings for various purposes, such as creating sketches, doodles and hyper-realistic drawings.
There is a wide variety of ink drawing tools available in the market based on your needs and budget.
The main advantage of Ink drawing is that it’s simple to learn, and the materials required aren’t expensive.
Ink Drawings also look beautiful on Canvas or Paper because they don’t smudge!
The disadvantage is Ink Drawings are delicate, so they can quickly get damaged or fade over time. Ink drawings also require a lot of patience to create detailed images.
Ball Point Pen Drawing
Ball Point Pen drawings are simple and easy to create. Ballpoint pens were invented in the 1950s, and they became popular because of their ease of use and throw.
You can do Ball Point Pen Drawing over Canvas or Paper using different colors for a unique effect.
In Ball Point Pen Drawing, you can create beautiful images in single or multiple colors.
Ballpoint pens are also available in different tip sizes, which affect the thickness of your lines!
Ballpoint pen drawings require a lot of practice to create detailed images, but they are still accessible and simple enough for beginners.
The main advantage of Ball Point pen drawing is that it’s simple to create. Ballpoint pens are also inexpensive, making them an ideal choice for beginners!
The disadvantage of Ballpoint pen drawings is that they can fade over time if you don’t use waterproof ink
Charcoal Drawing
Charcoal drawings are similar to Pencil drawings, but they use Charcoal as the primary Medium.
The general techniques used in Charcoal Drawing are shading, blending and hatching.
Charcoal is made from burnt wood or coal, and it has been used for drawing and painting since ancient times!
You can create beautiful Charcoal drawings using Charcoal pencils or Charcoals sticks.
Charcoal drawings are usually simple, but you can also create very detailed images using Charcoal using different techniques!
Beginners would prefer using Charcoal as it is not very expensive. Another advantage of Charcoal Drawing is that it’s easy to learn.
The disadvantage of Charcoal Drawing is that it’s easy to make mistakes, and Charcoal drawings can be hard to erase. Charcoal drawings also require a lot of patience to create detailed images.
Graphite Drawing
Graphite drawings are created with Graphite pencils or Graphite powders, and they are one of the most popular types of drawings.
Graphite is a type of carbon used in lead pencils, and it comes in various grades depending on the desired darkness or lightness.
You can create beautiful Graphite drawings using different hatching, cross-hatching, and blending techniques. Graphite drawings are usually simple to make!
The main advantage of Graphite Drawing is that it’s easy to learn for beginners. Graphite pencils aren’t very expensive either, making them an excellent choice for beginners!
Graphite drawing also requires patience, but you can easily correct mistakes using an eraser.
The disadvantage of Graphite Drawing is that it’s not suitable for creating detailed images, and Graphite drawings can fade over time if they aren’t framed or stored correctly. It takes a lot of patience to develop dark Graphite drawings.
Chalk Drawing
Chalk drawing is an art form that uses chalk as the primary Medium.
Chalks are made from natural gypsum-based material, making them inexpensive but not as durable as some other mediums. This Medium has been used for educational purposes since ancient times.
Chalk drawings are usually simple, but you can also create very detailed images using different techniques!
The main advantage of Chalk Drawing is that it’s easy to learn and isn’t expensive either.
Chalks are easy to erase if you make a mistake, so they’re perfect for beginner artists who need practice with different mediums.
The disadvantage of Chalk Drawing is that chalk isn’t durable like other drawing tools, and accidents or mistakes can freely erase it.
Chalks may also fade over time if they aren’t stored properly or framed with glass before display.
Crayon Drawing
Crayons are not alone for kids to enjoy coloring anymore. It’s a drawing style used by many professional artists nowadays.
To create a Crayon Drawing, you will need crayons of different colors, paper, and ideas. Crayon drawings are usually simple but can also be made very detailed. Crayon drawings have been made using wax crayons and coloring pencils.
Crayon drawings require less patience than graphite or Charcoal, but it needs a little more time to create detailed images because the strokes are thicker than other mediums.
The advantage of Crayon drawings is that they are inexpensive. Crayons are also very forgiving, so it’s easy to erase and start over if you make mistakes.
Crayon drawings can be displayed without a frame, making them perfect for artists who don’t have much money or space.
The disadvantage of Crayon drawings is that they can be unoriginal. Crayons are also not very durable, so if you’re not careful, you can easily ruin your picture.
Digital Drawing
Digital Drawing is a type of Drawing that uses digital tools to create an image.
To create a digital drawing, you will require hardware like a computer, pen or mouse and software, and the brain to develop the picture.
Digital drawing tools are versatile, easy to use, and perfect for artists who experiment with different ideas.
The main advantage of Digital Drawing is that it’s highly versatile, and you can create an image using digital tools.
Digital drawings can be easily edited and corrected, making them perfect for artists who experiment with different ideas.
The disadvantage of Digital Drawing is that it requires a lot of practice to create and perfect beautiful images.
Digital drawings can also be time-consuming, especially when making a detailed image.
Digital Drawing is the latest trend in the art world, and it has simplified life for artists everywhere.
Artificial Intelligence Drawing
Artificial Intelligence drawing is a new type of artwork created using artificial intelligence.
To create an AI-generated image, you will require hardware like sensors and AI services and software to help the artificial intelligence service understand what kind of picture or image you want it to generate.
Initially, AI-generated artwork was expensive, especially if a professional artificial service or artist created it.
But now, many AI artwork services are worldwide, and it is interesting to try and test some on the internet.
The advantage of AI-generated images is that they are often more beautiful and lifelike than anything an artist could create by hand. Sometimes it is difficult to identify it is a machine-generated image.
AI-generated artwork can create any image, including portraits, landscapes, and still lives.
The disadvantage of AI-generated images is that they require a lot of computational power and initial sets up. Artificial intelligence cannot create detailed images until the machine learns.
Different Types of Drawing based on Styles
You can also categorize Drawing based on the style in which it is created. Styles can be a mixture of Medium and theme. The following ten types of drawings based on styles are as follows:-
Line Drawing
A line drawing is a type of Drawing that consists of lines and curves to create an image. Line drawings are usually simple, but they can also be detailed.
They are often used to depict objects and people as outlines.
For most artists, lines or outlines are the starting point for any art. Once the outlines are made, other additions like shading, painting and adding value are made to the artwork.
The advantage of line drawing is that they are inexpensive to create and can be done using different tools like pencils or pens.
They also require less material than other drawings, making them great for artists who don’t have a lot of space or money.
There are many types of line drawings like contour drawing, one line drawing, etc.
Contour Drawing
Contour drawing is a line drawing that focuses on line quality. This type of line drawing is often used for artworks in which the artist does not want to show any details but still wants an image or object to be recognizable.
Contour drawings are usually done with a fine-point pen or pencil and require a lot of patience and practice to get the desired results.
The advantage of contour drawing is that it can be done spontaneously and quickly, making them perfect for artists who want to sketch out an idea.
They are also inexpensive because they do not require a lot of materials which makes this type of line drawings great for students or beginners.
The disadvantage of contour drawing is that it can be hard to make a good image with limited lines without any values and often look unfinished or amateurish.
One Line Drawing
A one-line drawing is a line drawing in which the artist only uses one line to create the entire image.
There will be one line with one starting point and one ending point, and the artist creates drawing without lifting the hand.
This type of Drawing is also called continuous line drawing, and it is usually done with a pen or pencil, but you can also do it with a brush or paint.
One-line drawings are usually very simple and basic images that do not contain details or shading.
These drawings also don’t require a lot of materials, so they are inexpensive to make.
One-line drawings are great for artists on the go because they can be done quickly and easily.
The disadvantage of one-line drawing is that the image can often be challenging to see or understand without shading or value.
Abstract Drawing
Abstract drawings are a type of Drawing that is not based on realism and focuses on the emotions, feelings and subconscious mind expressed through artwork.
This Drawing shows abstract shapes, forms and colors that often don’t have a specific meaning or represent anything in particular.
Abstract drawing is usually done for expression and can be very conceptual or highly detailed.
Abstract drawings can be done using various materials and methods like painting, drawing and sculpture.
An advantage of abstract drawings is that they are usually very personal because they express their feelings. They have no meaning or message, making them unique to every individual who creates them.
An Abstract Drawing can be done spontaneously, making this drawing ideal for artists who like to play with their materials.
The disadvantage of Abstract Drawings is that they are often hard to understand because it does not represent anything in particular and provide no meaning or message.
Cartoon Drawing
Cartoon drawing is a form of illustration that uses simplified shapes and lines to represent people, animals, and objects.
It usually has a cartoon-like or comic book-like style and is often used for children’s books, comics, and advertisements. Many times the expressions are exaggerated.
One of the great things about cartoon drawing is that it’s fun and straightforward to learn.
You don’t need any specific skills or training to get started, and there are no strict rules. Cartoon drawing is an excellent way to de-stress and relax.
Some of the most popular cartoon drawing styles include anime, manga, Disney, and Looney Tunes.
Just have some fun with it and experiment with different styles and techniques.
Geometric Drawing
Geometric Drawing is a type of abstract Drawing that uses geometric shapes such as triangles, squares and circles to create an image.
Geometric drawings are often done with materials like pencil, pen, markers, which require a lot of precision and accuracy because they do not have any shading or values.
For centuries, geometric Drawing has been used by artists who wanted to express their spiritual beliefs through images without words. One can use these drawings to represent characters, objects, animals, or landscapes artistically without using many details.
It can be as simple or complex as you want, and you can use various colors and materials to get the desired effect.
Geometric drawings are often used in architecture, engineering and design because of their simplicity and clarity.
The main disadvantage of Geometric Drawing is that it can be pretty challenging for beginners. It takes a lot of practice to get the shapes correct and make them look good.
Also, Geometric Drawings can be pretty dull and uninspiring if not done correctly.
Freehand Drawing
Freehand Drawing is a type of drawing created without using stencils, rulers or any guiding tools, and the artist uses only his hand to make this type of Drawing.
This form of Drawing requires a lot of focus, concentration, and practice. It is easy for your mind and hand to get distracted when doing Freehand Drawing.
One of the main benefits of Freehand Drawing is that it’s all about creativity and imagination, so there are no rules to follow.
You can do it spontaneously without planning or overthinking about it. It can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing.
Freehand Drawing is also very versatile and can be used for various purposes like illustration, sketching, and conceptualizing ideas.
It’s perfect for artists who want to experiment with different styles and mediums.
The main disadvantage of Freehand Drawing is that it’s a very challenging skill to learn and master. It takes a lot of time and practice to get good at it.
Also, Freehand drawings can be pretty messy and unprofessional-looking if not done correctly.
But with enough practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful pieces of art using this method.
Blind Contour Drawing
Blind Contour drawing is a drawing exercise where one tries to draw the subject without looking at the paper when he is drawing. He continues to see the subject but not the paper he is drawing.
Blind Contour Drawing focuses on line, form and shape rather than color or tone.
This activity makes you more aware of your surroundings because you focus only on what’s in front of you. It also helps improve concentration, patience, and discipline while developing tactile skills like touch sensitivity and control.
Blind Contour Drawing is often used in art therapy because it can be very relaxing and therapeutic.
The materials needed for Blind Contour Drawing are usually a pencil and paper, although you can use other materials like Charcoal, pastels or ink.
It’s best to start with simple subjects until you get the hang of it. It can be challenging at first, but you’ll see improvement with practice and time.
The main disadvantage of Blind Contour Drawing is that it takes a lot of concentration to do this activity properly, so that distractions might interfere with your process.
Blind contour drawing is a great way to develop your observation skills and improve concentration, so give this activity a try today.
Illustration Drawing
Illustration Drawing is a type of Drawing that uses various visual elements to create an image or narrative. You can use it for keynotes, advertising, storytelling, and several other purposes.
Illustration Drawings are often characterized by color, shapes, and lines to create an appealing image.
The artist usually has to be creative and imaginative when creating Illustration Drawings because he needs to develop ideas for the subject, plot, composition, character design etc.
The materials needed for Illustration Drawing are pencils or pens of different colors, charcoal sticks, paper, paintbrushes and paints etc.
It’s best to start Illustration Drawing by drawing simple subjects at first, and then you can move on to more complicated ones.
The main disadvantage of Illustration Drawing is that it takes a lot of practice and time before seeing improvement in your Illustrations.
It is both complicated and straightforward, depending on how you see it.
Calligraphy Drawing
Calligraphy Drawing is the art of beautiful writing. It has been around for centuries and is still popular today because of its unique style and elegance.
The purpose of Calligraphy Drawing is to create beautiful drawings using Calligraphy. It can be used as interior design, art pieces etc.
Calligraphy Drawings are very popular with people who love Asian culture and aesthetics because it’s rooted in this tradition and heritage.
The materials used in Calligraphy Drawing are usually a pen or brush, ink, and paper. Calligraphy drawings are often done on special calligraphy paper, thicker than regular paper and smooth.
Many languages and scripts can be used in Calligraphy Drawing, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese etc.
The artist has to have a lot of skill and control over the pen or brush to create Calligraphy Drawings.
It takes a long time to learn how to do Calligraphy correctly, but the results are worth it.
The main disadvantage of Calligraphy Drawing is that it’s a complex art to learn and takes a lot of practice to get good at it.
But with enough patience and hard work, you can become a Calligraphy Drawing master.
Conclusion
Drawings are one of the most popular types of visual art.
What you choose to draw is up to your imagination and creativity, but different types suit various purposes, such as illustration drawings for storytelling or calligraphy drawing for interior design.
Illustration Drawing can be used in advertising, while Blind Contour Drawing has improved concentration and focus during tasks like meditation.
And don’t forget about Calligraphy Drawings! This ancient style made a comeback recently because it’s rooted in Asian culture and aesthetics with plenty of potential applications.
Give these types of drawings a try today and see which ones work best for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many types of art are there in drawing?
There are countless types of art in drawing, from using different mediums to mixing different styles. It all depends on your imagination and creativity, and the resulting types of art are endless, so feel free to experiment.
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What types of drawing should I draw?
The types of drawing you should draw are the ones that interest you and the ones you’re good at. If you’re unsure where to start, try out a few different types of drawing and see which ones you enjoy the most. It is always fun exploring new types of drawings!
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How many types of drawing styles are there?
There are dozens of types of drawing styles, from abstract to realistic. The types of drawings are practically limitless with the combination of mediums, styles, and subject matter. So, experiment with different drawings to see what you like.
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What is the best type of drawing?
The best type of drawing is the one that suits your needs and goals. If you’re looking to improve your observation skills, then Blind Contour Drawing is a good choice. Calligraphy Drawing may be a better option if you’re interested in interior design. It all depends on what you’re looking to get out of your drawings.
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What types of drawings are popular?
Many types of drawings are popular, depending on the culture and time period. Realistic paintings and portraits were once popular in the Western world, while today, abstract and expressionistic art is more in vogue. In the East, traditional calligraphy and ink paintings are popular. It all varies depending on the period and what you’re interested in.
