powerful drawings that tell a story

One can start with a clear concept or theme in mind. For example, if it's a story about a journey, plan out the key elements like the starting point, obstacles along the way, and the destination. Then, use strong composition, like leading lines to draw the viewer's eye through the narrative. Also, choose a color palette that sets the mood, for a spooky story, dark and muted colors might be used.

You need to have a clear idea first. Then, focus on simple yet expressive drawings that convey the main points of the story.

There's the 'The Arnolfini Portrait' by Jan van Eyck. It tells a story about a couple, perhaps their marriage or some important moment in their relationship. The details in the painting, like the dog (which could symbolize loyalty), the fruits (which might represent fertility), and the way the couple is posed all contribute to the story. And 'The Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci is also a great example. It shows the moment when Jesus announced that one of his disciples would betray him, and the reactions of the disciples are vividly depicted.

One famous example is 'The Scream' by Edvard Munch. The distorted figure and the vivid colors seem to convey a sense of existential dread. It can be seen as a story of an individual overwhelmed by the chaos and angst of modern life. Another is 'Guernica' by Pablo Picasso. It tells the tragic story of the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. The chaotic and fragmented imagery represents the horror and destruction that the people of Guernica endured.

Animated GIFs can also be considered as little drawings that tell a story. Take the simple ones where a stick figure runs, jumps over an obstacle, and reaches a finish line. This short sequence of drawings conveys the story of the stick figure's journey. And then there are ancient cave paintings which in a way are also little drawings that tell a story. They might depict a hunting scene, showing hunters chasing animals, which gives us an idea of the daily life and activities of the people from that era.

They were created using simple tools like stones and sticks. The artists would chip away at the cave wall or use the sticks to draw lines. They also used natural pigments for color. For example, they might have used ochre for red or charcoal for black.

First, plan out your story. Decide on the beginning, middle, and end. For example, if it's about a journey, show the character starting from home, facing obstacles on the way, and finally reaching the destination. Second, use symbols. A broken heart can symbolize sadness, a flower can mean new life. Third, play with the composition. If you want to show a character's isolation, place them in a large empty space.

The 'Peanuts' series is also well - known. It focuses on Charlie Brown, a kind - hearted but often unlucky boy, and his group of friends like Snoopy, the imaginative beagle. The drawings show their daily lives, including Charlie Brown's attempts at flying a kite and Snoopy's battles with the Red Baron in his fantasies.

A journey theme could be great. For example, the first drawing shows a person at the start of a path in a forest. The second drawing is the person walking along the path, facing some small obstacles like fallen branches. In the third drawing, the person reaches a beautiful clearing with a waterfall. It's a simple yet effective theme for three drawings to tell a story.