Drawing Day is celebrated on May 16 and the best way to celebrate it is by expressing yourself through drawing just about anything you like. Did you know that drawing is an art closely tied to our history? Even cavemen who hadn’t yet learned to talk drew hunting scenes on cave walls. Today, we have so many modern tools to help us create extremely realistic and artistic drawings such as a plain sketchbook and pencil or a tablet and stylus.
History of Drawing Day
The earliest drawings have been recorded since around 10000 B.C. These drawings were carvings that were discovered in ancient caves in Europe. In around 3000 B.C., ancient Egyptians made drawings on their temples that featured scenes from their daily lives. Even the written transcripts of that era had similar illustrations that were drawn with ink. Similarly, the Greeks drew intricate figures and patterns on clay vases. Before paper had been invented, people used animal skins and wooden planks to write, draw, and paint on.During the 1400s, drawings played an eminent role in religious books, which featured miniature drawings that were hand-drawn with gold and ink. Later, contemporary drawing styles started becoming popular in Europe as paper had become readily available everywhere. Renaissance artists became famous and ink was their favorite medium. Other mediums like colored chalks and charcoal were also used to add shading and bring out textures in their drawings.
Drawing Day timeline
The rococo movement begins where artists use bright colors and focus on ornamentation in their drawings.
High-quality graphite pencils are manufactured, which encourage artists to create pencil sketches and drawings.
Art competitions are recognized as part of the Olympics this year.
This first digital art program known as AARON makes large-sized abstract drawings.
Drawing Day FAQs
What are the 3 types of drawing?
3 types of drawing, to name a few, are illustration drawing, life drawing, and emotive drawing.
Is it good to draw every day?
“Even though it’s challenging, practicing your drawing skills every day will make you a better artist. Drawing every day will make you better in the shortest amount of time by refining your skills and increasing your motor memory more quickly,” claims Adventures With Art
How many hours a day should you practice drawing?
“There’s a recommended schedule of drawing 5 hours per day: 2 in the morning, 1 at lunch, and 2 in the evening. Not everyone will have time for this but it gives you a solid model to attempt. Drawing for 5 hours is much better than 1-2 and you’ll see improvements quicker which will then impact your confidence too,” according to Concept Art Empire.
How to Celebrate Drawing Day
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Take a drawing workshop
Today, there are many drawing workshops available online that are free or charge a very nominal fee. You can either opt for a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level workshop based on your skills.
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Create a doodle book
Doodling is a great way to keep your brain active and improve your concentration levels. Next time you feel bored or unable to focus at work, take out a doodle book and start doodling!
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Play drawing games with your friends
There are many online apps and board games like Pictionary where one player draws an object and the other players guess it. It is a fun activity that you can play in teams online or in person.
5 Facts About Famous Painters That Will Blow Your Mind
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Picasso drew before he walked
Spanish artist Pablo Picasso learned to draw before he could even walk, and his first word was ‘piz,’ short for ‘lapiz,’ which means pencil in Spanish.
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Van Gogh sold one painting in his lifetime
It is believed that Vincent van Gogh was able to sell only a single painting “The Red Vineyard” in his lifetime.
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Bob Ross was never paid for his show
Bob Ross did his TV show, “The Joy of Painting” for free — he made money by selling art supplies.
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“Mona Lisa” has her own mailbox
Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, the “Mona Lisa” has her own mailbox at the Louvre for the letters she receives from her admirers.
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Warhol painted a car in some minutes
Pop artist Andy Warhol painted an entire BMW supercar in 24 minutes.
Why We Love Drawing Day
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Drawing is a quick mood-boosting activity
Drawing allows you to relive your childhood and be creative. Drawing also helps to relieve stress as it is a mood-boosting activity.
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It gives clarity to thoughts and ideas
Drawing is a great way for children, who haven't yet developed verbal skills, to easily communicate their thoughts and feelings on paper.
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It can improve team-building skills
Who said you have to draw alone? Drawing can be a great icebreaker activity and improve teamwork and collaboration skills.
Drawing Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 16 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | May 16 | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 16 | Friday |
| 2026 | May 16 | Saturday |
| 2027 | May 16 | Sunday |
