Final answer:
The surface a drawing is created on is called the 'ground,' which is the physical material where mediums like paint are applied and not to be confused with the 'picture plane.' Grounds like canvas are prepared with a layer called gesso to protect the support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surface a drawing is created on is called the ground. This term refers to the physical material on which an artist applies paint or any other type of medium. Painting surfaces, or supports, can include a variety of materials such as paper, wood, canvas, plaster, and more. Prior to painting, these surfaces are often prepared with a ground such as gesso, a mixture of binder and chalk that forms a non-porous layer, protecting the support from damage over time. The physical surface should not be confused with the picture plane, which is a conceptual surface that refers to the illusion of depth within the artwork. Drawing mediums like charcoal, graphite, and pastels require a surface that can hold the media, which is combined with a binder to adhere to the support.