The Story of Drawing: An Alternative History of Art

by Susan Owens

Drawing is at the heart of human creativity. The most democratic form of art-making, it requires nothing more than a plain surface and a stub of pencil, a piece of chalk or an inky brush. Our prehistoric ancestors drew with natural pigments on the walls of caves, and every subsequent culture has practised drawing – whether on papyrus, parchment or paper. Artists throughout history have used drawing as part of the creative process.

While painting and sculpture have been shaped heavily by money and influence, drawing has always offered extraordinary creative latitude. Here we see the artist at his or her most unguarded. Susan Owens offers a glimpse over artists’ shoulders – from Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Hokusai to Van Gogh, Käthe Kollwitz and Yayoi Kusama – as they work, think and innovate, as they scrutinise the world around them or escape into their imaginations.

The Story of Drawing loops around the established history of art, sometimes staying close, at other times diving into exhilarating and altogether less familiar territory.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Robby F · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely general history of drawing, really interesting the different societal contexts which changed the way drawing was perceived and used. Inspires me to draw more

[Julie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful investigation into the history of drawing. A great discovery.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im a drawing nerd/ drawing instructor and absolutely loved it.