A decline in drawing ability

This research surveys changing attitudes to drawing pedagogy, in the context of digitisation, moves toward student-centred learning in Art and Design Higher Education, and anecdotal reports of declining competence. Based on student, teacher and examiner’s experiences, it has been possible to gain insights into how drawing instruction has changed over the past generation. This paper examines the attitudes, values and concerns of students and educators regarding drawing instruction. The study reveals that, in the UK, drawing skills are considered to be gradually declining, while traditional notions of skill are called into question. Drawing as a means of visual recording, representation and communication remains valued, although no longer essential as it once was; while drawing to augment thought process, is increasingly recognised as an integral skill which enables innovation. The latter is rarely ‘taught’ but relies on core competencies that many lecturers fear are being eroded. Increasing value is placed on drawing ‘as process’, while provision is moving towards individualised instruction requiring students to work independently. While new technologies are a factor, this paper re-frames the issue as an imbalance between creative outcomes and creative process, with a disparity between school and university levels. This paper calls for a renewed emphasis on ‘drawing as process’ as preparation for university, and for further consideration of the core competencies underpinning the use of drawing as a tool of thought, and how these might be standardised.