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Drawing
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<p>Drawing is a <a href="/facts/Visual_arts/95RgxP8e">visual art</a> that uses an instrument to mark <a href="/facts/Paper/FUETwwKV">paper</a> or another <a href="/facts/Two-dimensional/f4b397W8">two-dimensional</a> surface. The instruments used to make a drawing are <a href="/facts/Pencil/HhhT8a3W">pencils</a>, <a href="/facts/Crayon/cL0YvH8t">crayons</a>, <a href="/facts/Pen/FjenrQuh">pens</a> with <a href="/facts/Ink/Y7Wj0YQS">inks</a>, <a href="/facts/Brush/yoflCfEB">brushes</a> with <a href="/facts/Paint/Q176AsIG">paints</a>, or combinations of these, and in more modern times, <a href="/facts/Stylus_(computing)/j5e1x0vf">computer styluses</a> with <a href="/facts/Graphics_tablet/tydCnPqP">graphics tablets</a> or <a href="/facts/Gamepad/WeNdbxjt">gamepads</a> in <a href="/facts/Virtual_reality/0psDGsxT">VR</a> drawing software. </p><p>A drawing instrument releases a small amount of material onto a surface, leaving a visible mark. The most common support for drawing is <a href="/facts/Paper/FUETwwKV">paper</a>, although other materials, such as <a href="/facts/Paperboard/A1Nq26z2">cardboard</a>, <a href="/facts/Vellum/YVaKAeCU">vellum</a>, <a href="/facts/Wood/z13NpHPl">wood</a>, <a href="/facts/Plastic/Kla5QItn">plastic</a>, <a href="/facts/Leather/kvQtwHPH">leather</a>, <a href="/facts/Canvas/ryeLvo7s">canvas</a>, and <a href="/facts/Lumber/jJfdSlJ6">board</a>, have been used. Temporary drawings may be made on a <a href="/facts/Blackboard/sznfTHlD">blackboard</a> or <a href="/facts/Whiteboard/ovIrtALk">whiteboard</a>. Drawing has been a popular and fundamental means of public expression throughout human history. It is one of the simplest and most efficient means of communicating ideas. The wide availability of drawing instruments makes drawing one of the most common artistic activities. </p><p>In addition to its more artistic forms, drawing is frequently used in commercial <a href="/facts/Illustration/dIDdBnUo">illustration</a>, <a href="/facts/Traditional_animation/CqPeCPBY">animation</a>, <a href="/facts/Architectural_drawing/cSc6GYYA">architecture</a>, <a href="/facts/Engineering_drawing/DcK9GuTV">engineering</a>, and <a href="/facts/Technical_drawing/WtTmaUwL">technical drawing</a>. A quick, freehand drawing, usually not intended as a finished work, is sometimes called a <a href="/facts/Sketch_(drawing)/9My36qgy">sketch</a>. An <a href="/facts/Artist/7kfrXB5P">artist</a> who practices or works in technical drawing may be called a <a href="/facts/Drafter/zY142eHt">drafter</a>, draftsman, or draughtsman. </p>