The Importance Of Drawing The Line By Stephen Alcorn

It is no secret that human kind thrives on achievement, advancement, and innovation. Throughout thousands of years of many different cultures creating and discovering new phenomenon, it is clear that in the 21st century, we have come a long way from cave paintings and ancient tools. The rise in technology, especially since the industrial revolution, has brought many incredible advancements that have helped human kind in too many ways to count. However, this increase has also caused problems in many aspects of life, particularly socially. The over usage of computers in the 21st century has impacted the individual’s ability to think critically and to create things that have significance and depth. Through the examination of Stephen Alcorn’s article “Drawing The Line: Reflections on the importance of drawing by hand in …show more content…
He has noted the shift from handmade creations to computer edited images in his review of his student’s art. Today’s students only rely on one form of medium, the computer, to create their art. They do not learn how to use various instruments to create different forms of art, only seeing one perspective (Alcorn 18). Students should have the basic experience with multiple forms of art in order to find new, fresh ways to look at things. This technological development doesn’t allow for students to bond with their art. Instead of using a paintbrush or pencil, these students can create completely computer generated images without much effort. Alcorn fears that students will lose their connection to art materials and techniques if they only learn to use the computer to create an image as opposed to learning the essentials of art. He wants to urge students away from taking “the path of least resistance”, using the computer as an easier method to create their art rather than take the time to master artistic technique (Alcorn