When children learn to draw, we begin to encourage their use of simple symbols. They learn patterns of lines, and begin to draw shapes. You can imagine a child’s first tree. The familiar figure of a lollipop tree is seen in countless works by children. The house is commonly represented as a triangle on top of a square, possibly with a small rectanglular chimney on the roof.
These early drawings are far removed from the more mature drawing of an adult who has learned to use line to represent a form seen in nature. This artist will carefully observe the form, and begin to sketch what is actually seen, not just place a symbol on paper that represents the idea of the form. Natural forms themselves are complex, and to sketch a form adequately takes much careful thought and practice. Getting beyond the symbol to a realistic drawing is no easy task. Each artist takes a different course as they draw a sketch, because each artist expresses a different vision based on their personality, experience, and physical abilities.
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