Jooniseid

Jooniseid is the Estonian term for drawings, the plural of joonis. In art and design, a joonis is a two-dimensional representation created mainly with lines or shading on paper or another suitable support. Drawings may serve as preparatory studies for paintings, sculptures, or architecture, as records of observation, or as standalone artworks.

Techniques and materials vary widely. Common tools include pencil (graphite), charcoal, and ink; pen and wash; color media such as colored pencils or pastels may be used. Supports range from standard drawing paper to vellum or board. The media chosen affect line quality, tone, and texture.

Types and purposes. Drawings include figure studies, landscapes, still lifes, and architectural or technical drawings. In architecture and engineering, technical drawings convey measurements and construction details. In art, drawings can be finished works or preparatory studies for other media.

History and context. Drawing is a long-standing practice found in many cultures. Early examples appear in cave art and manuscripts; in European art, Renaissance artists used drawing as a key instrument for planning and study. Over time, it has encompassed naturalistic studies to abstract works, and remains essential in education and professional practice.

Contemporary practice. Today, drawing often accompanies digital media. Artists draw by hand, scan or photograph the result, and combine it with digital workflows. Digital drawing tools and tablets broaden access and methods while preserving drawing’s core focus on line, tone, and composition.