Drawing

Most artists would agree that drawing skills are fundamental. Drawing is an innate human impulse after all. Drawing is actually communication skill. Think of cave drawings and paintings tens of thousand of years old, very likely happening long before writing. We humans employ drawing to give directions (maps), to show others things we have discovered (scientific charts), to direct how things are made (building plans), and a lot more. Moreover, drawing is the basis for representational art. Abstract and other nonrepresentational art may or may not depend so much on draftsmanship, but for the realist mastery of drawing is essential.

Michelangelo, "Study of a Seated Male," red chalk, c1510

My training and experience in artwork began in drawing. Although oil painting was an early pursuit, for years drawing was more important to me.  I continue to draw every day, using the practice to hone my skills, practice with new tools (digitally and otherwise), study the real world, and prepare for paintings. 

My practice continues in several mediums. Most days I do at least one digital drawing or painting, most commonly using a Wacom tablet and Sketchbook. But I also draw in graphite, metalpoint, and ink, and sometimes use other materials. 

Here are a few examples of drawings made using various mediums. 

 

Hoff, "Big Diesel," ink on paper, 2008

Hoff, "Le Rocher and the Sea (Monaco)" graphite on paper, 2019

Hoff, "Erasmus (after Holbein)," grahite on paper 2016

Hoff, "NR (After Rockwell)," charcoal on newsprint, 2010

Hoff, "The Bard," digital, 2019

Hoff, "Seated Woman," digital, 2021

As you can see from the variety of mediums and subject matter, drawing is fundamental to my art.