drawings that tell stories

One example could be a series of illustrations in a graphic novel. The drawings show different scenes and characters, and through the sequence, a story unfolds, like in 'Maus' which tells the story of the Holocaust through the use of animal characters. Another example is political cartoons. They use simple drawings to convey complex political or social stories or messages in a very concise and often satirical way.

They can use facial expressions. If a character in the drawing has a sad face, it can immediately convey a part of the story, like something bad has happened. Also, composition matters. Placing characters in certain positions relative to each other can show relationships. For example, if two characters are standing close with their arms crossed, it might suggest they are in a tense situation.

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

Cave drawings can show us aspects of the daily life of the people who made them. For example, they might depict hunting scenes, which could mean that hunting was an important part of their livelihood. Also, drawings of families or groups of people can give us an idea about their social structure.

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.

There are also ancient myths about humans turning into animals. For instance, in some Native American legends, shamans could transform into animals like eagles or bears to gain certain powers or knowledge. Drawings of such transformations would show a seamless blend between human and animal features, like a human body with eagle wings or a bear's strength. These stories are not only about the physical change but also about the spiritual connection between humans and animals.

One of the most famous is 'Your Name'. It tells a story of two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies across time and space. Their connection grows as they leave notes for each other and gradually fall in love through these shared experiences. Another great one is 'Weathering with You'. A boy meets a girl who has the power to control the weather. Their relationship develops as they face various challenges together while trying to keep her power a secret. And 'A Silent Voice' is also remarkable. It's about a former bully trying to make amends with a deaf girl, and love blossoms in the process of their mutual understanding and growth.

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.