Although at its most basic drawing always involves the visual representation of objects, the different types of drawing can be diametrically opposed, as is the case with technical drawing vs artistic drawing. Keep reading to learn why.
The Difference Between Technical Drawing and Artistic Drawing
Technical drawing and artistic drawing share some basic characteristics, but they also differ in some fundamental ways. To begin with, artistic drawing is subjective, while technical drawing is objective.
In other words, artistic drawing aims to elicit emotions by showing the world as experienced by an individual, even if this involves exaggerating or deconstructing some aspects of reality. Technical drawing, on the other hand, reflects reality as accurately as possible without allowing personal observations to interfere.
As we’ll see, there are additional differences between technical drawing and artistic drawing. But before we review them, let’s take a look at some basic definitions.
What Is Technical Drawing?
Technical drawing, also known as drafting, is a detailed graphic rendition of how something functions or how it is built. Technical drawings are made at a precise scale and include elements that make them unambiguous, meaning that their elements can be interpreted only in one way.
To learn more about technical drawing, read our blog “What Is Technical Drawing?”
What Is Artistic Drawing?
Artistic drawing is a form of expression where visual elements such as lines and colors are used to depict reality with the purpose of generating emotions and evoking moods.
While graphite pencils are probably the most common implement for artistic drawing, there are no rules as to what instruments can be used to draw artistically. Some examples include:
- Ballpoint pens
- Pastels
- Colored pencils
- Crayons
- Charcoal sticks
- Chalk
Wrapping It Up
The fundamental difference between technical drawing and artistic drawing is that technical drawing is objective while artistic drawing is subjective.
Another important difference is that artistic drawing employs a wide variety of tools, while there is a limited set of technical drawing instruments (such as technical pens, compass, and rulers).
To learn more about technical drawing, read our previous blogs, “Is Technical Drawing Still Relevant?” and “Technical Drawing vs Blueprint: What Is the Difference?”
About Darnell Technical
Darnell Technical Services is an engineering design firm with extensive experience in a vast array of projects. Our headquarters are located in Santa Ana, California, and we have an office in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Contact us today by telephone (714-285-0082 (CA), 702-945-2899 (NV)) or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to learn more about all the technical instruments and materials we put at your disposal.
