Tracing and Drawing: Understanding the Boundaries of Creative Originality

Artistry and creativity have long been bound by a complex and often misunderstood set of rules. One of the most common debates among artists revolves around the use of tracing as a starting point for their work. Many artists wonder if they can say they 'drew' a picture if they used a traced outline but added the details, shading, and coloring themselves.

What is Tracing and Why Do Artists Use It?

Tracing involves reproducing an outline from a reference source, such as a photograph or a drawing, onto a new surface. Many artists, especially beginners and professionals working on time-sensitive projects, use this technique as a means to get the proportions and general layout of their work correct. British wildlife artist Casey Tibbs, for example, uses tracing to achieve precise proportions before adding the intricate details with pastel pencils and paint. This method allows him to create highly detailed and lifelike works that can look almost photographic.

The Importance of Originality in Art

While tracing can be a useful tool, it's essential to remember that true originality is key to developing and establishing one's artistic identity. If you are still in the learning phase, it's highly recommended to practice drawing without the aid of a traced outline. Drawing quickly and casually in a practice notebook or doodling can take the pressure off and help you develop your skills. One helpful method is contour drawing, where you draw without lifting the pencil off the page, capturing shapes and forms with a single continuous line. This exercise can lead to some surprising and interesting results.

The Ethical and Practical Aspects of Tracing and Altering

It's important to note that while art has very few hard-and-fast rules, there are ethical considerations to keep in mind. If you use a traced outline, it's generally acceptable to say that you 'drew' the picture, as long as you've added the critical details and coloring. However, for your own peace of mind and the sake of your artistic development, it's wise to alter the traced work to reflect your personal vision and identity. This ensures that your art is uniquely yours and not simply a reproduction of someone else's work.

The Freedom of Art: Boundless Creativity

The true essence of art lies in its freedom and boundless creativity. Throughout art history, artists have pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo. Take the works of Marcel Duchamp, for instance, who created “readymades” by presenting ordinary objects as art, and Jackson Pollock with his drip paintings. These artists expanded the definition of art, proving that the method of creation is just as important as the final product.

Tracing, therefore, can be a starting point, but it should not limit you. Instead, use it as a foundation to build on with your own creative vision. By adding your own details, shading, and color, you create something entirely original. Remember, YOU DREW IT. IT IS YOUR ART. PERIOD.

For those who are eager to delve deeper into the world of art and understand the boundaries of creativity, I highly recommend exploring books like The Shock of the New and What Are We Looking At? Both are available on Amazon and offer fascinating insights into the evolution of art and the minds behind it.

Ultimately, the language you use when describing your work can be a reflection of your artistic journey. Embrace your creativity and use tracing as a tool for learning, but don't let it define your originality.