Found Drawings: Group Discussion

It's harder than it seems to define drawing in a way that is not too vague, but still specific enough. Our group read a definition of drawing, something along the lines "of a graphic representation by lines of an object or idea; a delineation of form without reference to color". While this may be true, we felt a definition like this was limited in many ways. I think the definition of a drawing is influenced by how much the definer knows about composition, techniques, media, etc.

Here's our definition attempt:

drawing- a visual way of communicating an idea; a way to express, show understanding and reflect. The means of drawing are broad, utilizing a variety of media and techniques.

Our group discussed our found drawings in class, determining the definition of drawing as well as what makes a drawing a drawing of "excellence". A drawing of excellence would show above-average understanding of the subject matter, techniques, composition and materials used. While there are exceptions to every rule, the drawing's components would be intentional. Any criteria more specific than this used to determine what makes a drawing exceptional becomes too exclusive.