Drawing or Painting?

I came across someone's blog/journal entry the other day posing the question that if one colors with markers, like the Copic brand stuff, is it painting or drawing? I found it complex to give an answer. How is one to know if a piece is drawing or painting when the medium is in question?

I first considered using markers as drawing for the fact that it is very similar to ink and brush artwork. After saying that, I decided it also depends upon the level of usage. Example, if I draw something and put a touch of color on it with say... watercolor, it is considered a drawing. If I draw and then apply watercolor to the point it obscures the drawn line then it is most likely considered a painting.

The dictionary says:

"Draw- to produce (a picture or diagram) by making lines and marks, especially with a pen or pencil on paper.

Paint- to produce (a picture) by means of using paint."

Simple, no? NO!

Now this brings up the pastel issue. Pastels come in various forms from crayon to pencil. How does one discern between the two? I have seen pastel work to be considered both painting and drawing (look at Degas' work). What makes a painting a "painting"? I think it depends (ha ha! It always depends!) upon how the medium is used. One thing I have figured out is if there is layering and a building of textures then most of the time it would be considered painting. AAAAH! But then again I have seen fantastic drawings with layering and layering of line work. Oh woe! There always seems to be exceptions to the rules. Share your thoughts with me on this.

Dali: The Late Work

I have had the privilege of seeing the Dali exhibit at the High Museum in Atlanta, GA, Dali: The Late Work, and I must say WOW! There are so many pieces there to see and among those pieces are several famous pieces of which I have only seen in books. Works such as "Christ of St. John of the Cross" and "Assumpta Corpuscularia Lapislazulina" were something to behold in person. The size is deceiving when one, such as myself, is used to seeing these paintings in smaller printed form. Needless to say the immensity of the work left quite the impression on me. No tears but I had a bit of a lump in my throat.

If you are considering seeing the exhibit I definitely recommend it!

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Little Bird: Repose