Drawings & Pastels

Drawing is a type of graphic art created with lines and areas of tone applied to paper usually with pencil, charcoal and coloured pencil, but a wash may also be applied.

They frequently serve as preparatory studies for other works, but are also considered works of art in their own right. A practitioner of drawing is known as a draughtsman.

Pastels are created using a stick made of pure pigment and a binder.

A key part of the general art market, both are also specialist collecting areas in their own right.


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Mona Lisa 'taken as tourist souvenir'

24 March 2025

One of the factors that made the Mona Lisa probably the most-visited work of art in the world was that the painting was stolen from the Louvre in 1911.

Steven Spurrier drawing

Celebrated illustrator's work comes to market at London gallery

10 March 2025

The legacy of Steven Spurrier is being revived by Panter & Hall in its current exhibition

Knabe in Matrosenanzug by Egon Schiele

Restituted Egon Schiele sketch brings strong bidding at Christie’s

10 March 2025

An Egon Schiele (1890-1918) work on paper formerly owned by the Jewish cabaret performer Fritz Grünbaum was among the lots drawing competition at Christie’s latest evening sale in London.

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New London dealers join Salon du Dessin line-up

10 March 2025

March is traditionally the month for drawings and works on paper in Paris, a magnet that attracts enthusiasts from around the world to the French capital.

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Series of Wilde results for the collection of comedy legend

03 March 2025

Famed for his range of characters, Barry Humphries was also a bibliophile of great taste

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Dealer's show on the male form reflects changing attitudes

24 February 2025

Henry Miller Fine Art is hosting an exhibition titled 'Focusing on the Male Form' at Coningsby Gallery in Fitzrovia, from March 3-9.

Christie's auction

Five highlights from Christie’s auction of the Barry Humphries collection

20 February 2025

“Hello Possums”. Bidders were greeted by Dame Edna Everage’s imitable phrase as Christie’s auctioneer Piers Boothman took to the rostrum to offer the extraordinary collection of the late Barry Humphries (1934-2023).

Master Drawings New York

London dealers report healthy sales at Master Drawings New York

17 February 2025

Master Drawings New York proved a hit for UK dealers and attracted a high number of museum curators and directors

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Gallery pitches affordable Mod Brits in new online showcase

10 February 2025

Exhibition follows hot on the heels of the Master Drawings event in the US but with prices at generally lower levels

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Frank Lloyd Wright interest balloons to six figures in Chicago auction

10 February 2025

The mid-1920s were tough times for architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959).

‘Customs House, Poole’ by John Piper

John Piper architectural study sold to Poole Museum at Roseberys’ auction

06 February 2025

Poole Museum has emerged as the buyer of a work on paper by John Piper (1903-92) that sold at a Roseberys auction last year.

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Master drawings event involves dozens of galleries across Big Apple

27 January 2025

Master Drawings New York (MDNY), the major showcase for drawings in the US, returns to the American city from February 1-8.

Barbara Hepworth archive

Collection of Barbara Hepworth drawings and working notes sells at Chiswick Auctions

15 January 2025

An archive of annotated sketches and correspondence showing the working methods of sculptor Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975) sold for £20,000 at the end of last year.

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Architectural drawings treasure trove helps to build art market optimism

13 January 2025

End of year highlights included specialist collection amassed by couple who were both renowned experts

Attributed To Thomas Loggon (1706 1780), The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells,

Yuletide catalogues from British watercolours to ancient jewellery

20 December 2024

From classic British watercolours to ancient world jewellery, the latest seasonal catalogues issued by dealers offer a wealth of history and ideas.

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Prud’hon nude emerges with noble provenance

02 December 2024

A fine drawing by French Romantic painter and draughtsman Pierre Paul Prud’hon (1758-1823) sold for €190,000 (£158,300) at L’Huillier & Associés (30% buyer’s premium inc tax).

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Dutch drawing and Vietnamese painting both impress at Ivoire

02 December 2024

Pictured here are two strong results recorded in French regional salerooms by members of the Ivoire Group of auction houses.

Design for the Abu Dhabi Mastaba by Christo

Christo design for ‘the world’s largest contemporary sculpture’ sells at Chiswick Auctions

26 November 2024

An original drawing for the project that Christo (1935-2020) intended as his only permanent, large-scale public artwork emerged at a recent Chiswick Auctions sale.

Churchill Portrait By Paul Trevillion, Signed By Churchill, Set For Auction Credit Hansons

Signed Churchill portrait more than doubles estimate

21 November 2024

The pen-and-ink drawing by Paul Trevillion was personally signed by the former prime minister at his offices in 1955

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Mr Toad stars in a Shepard original sold at Forum Auctions

18 November 2024

Wind in the Willows illustration leads varied selection of lots offered by west London saleroom

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