Drawing techniques - EdexcelDevices: computer, tablet or smartphone?

There are many different techniques and methods that can be used in drawing, such as hatching, cross-hatching, sgraffito, scribbling and stippling. They can create a variety of styles and results.

Part ofArt and DesignDrawing

Devices: computer, tablet or smartphone?

Drawing on a computer

Most computers have basic software for creating digital drawings. But it’s often better to install specialist software - there are lots of free programs and apps that are designed for digital drawing.

Click through the slideshow to see some examples of digital drawing.

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide1 of 5, A pattern including black and white stripes and multi coloured lines, blobs and streaks, An abstract artwork drawn on a computer

Drawing can be done using a touch screen, mouse, trackpad or drawing tablet. There are many advantages to creating artwork digitally:

  • mistakes can easily be fixed
  • no art materials are needed
  • work can be saved to go back to at any time, in any place
  • artwork can be printed onto different materials in different sizes
  • it can be edited and transferred to other programs
  • access to a variety of digital tools
  • traditional and digital techniques can be merged
  • no cleaning up

Drawing on a phone or tablet

Closeup of a woman's hand drawing on a tablet with a stylus

Tablets can be easier to draw on than computers because you can use your finger or a digital pen to draw digitally. This is often easier than using a mouse or tracker pad and offers more control.