tekengronden

Tekengronden are specialized drawing surfaces or grounds used in artistic practice, particularly within Dutch and Flemish artistic traditions. The term literally translates to "drawing grounds" and refers to prepared surfaces that artists use as a base for creating drawings, sketches, and preparatory works.

These grounds are typically made from materials such as toned paper, prepared canvas, or specially treated boards that have been coated with grounds like gesso, chalk, or other preparatory materials. The surface preparation can range from smooth to textured, depending on the intended drawing technique and desired aesthetic outcome. Tekengronden may be commercially prepared or handmade by artists according to their specific requirements.

The use of prepared grounds has historical significance in European art, where artists would create detailed preparatory drawings on specially prepared surfaces before executing final paintings or works. These grounds often feature neutral colors such as gray, brown, or cream, which help artists focus on value relationships and compositional elements without the distraction of bright white paper.

Tekengronden are particularly valued in academic drawing traditions and classical ateliers, where students learn fundamental drawing principles on these prepared surfaces. The toned nature of many tekengronden allows for both additive and subtractive drawing techniques, where artists can build up highlights with white media or create shadows by working into the prepared ground itself.

Modern artists continue to use tekengronden for various applications, including portrait drawing, figure studies, and compositional sketches. The preparation of these surfaces remains an important skill in traditional art education, with many contemporary artists preparing their own grounds to achieve specific textural and visual effects that support their individual artistic practice.