FOR most of the artists exhibiting in 'Lines and Strata 2', drawing is the foundation, the core, the essence of their work, whether that is ultimately sculpting, painting, or textile art.

It is a practice that allows them to observe minutely, to investigate and explore their surroundings, to analyse and make sense of both the substance and the space. Drawing is used to document or gather information in a way that photography cannot. For some, drawing is a quiet and reflective process, for others a fast, spontaneous reaction to some phenomena or thought. And to accurately capture a fleeting expression can take hours.

Through making marks on paper, these artists engage with their subject using brain, eye and hand, and through their efforts communicate with others. The drawings may represent the real world or an imaginary one, be true to life or offer an abstraction. Early or tentative marks, corrections and adjustments, may be left obvious to show an artist's route in searching for accuracy or expression.

For those who believe that art has lost its way, that meaningless work wins great prizes or sells for enormous sums - this is the show to challenge that perception. Lines and Strata is a celebration of drawing, a cross-section of practice from 50 artists who either were born in Wales or live or work here. Each one has something personal and pertinent to say about how they use this skill and how it relates to the art they produce, whether that is in ceramic or film or painting.

Charcoal, pencil, ink and pastel, easily recognisable drawing media, are well represented, but also there is printmaking such as etching and collagraph, paint, ceramic, graphite in suspension, stitch, collage and film to consider. Subject matter is also wide in variety: portraits and landscapes, abstract and figurative pieces, monochrome and multicoloured pieces in two dimensions are supplemented by work in wood, plastic and on screen.

Carole King, Glenn Ibbitson and Diane Walkey are the co-curators of this important and exciting exhibition, touring throughout Wales. 'Lines and Strata 2', a selling exhibition, which opened at The White Lion Street Gallery in Tenby last week. The exhibition continues until November 27. The gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Wednesdays and Sundays.

For further information telephone 01834-843375 and to see the show on-line visit the website: http://www.artmatters.org.uk">www.artmatters.org.uk.