The Art of Sketching

Sketching is a great way to start any project specially if you are still unsure of what outcome you want to present as the finish product. It is also a great way to capture a subject before you do a final render.  Nowadays, it doesn’t really matter which medium you use, whether it be hand drawn or photoshop or illustrator, so as long as you are using a medium that you are comfortable with.  Personally, I prefer having a sketch pad and a pencil handy for moments of inspiration.

What is a sketch? A sketch (ultimately from Ancient Greek σχέδιος – schedios “temporary^“ is a rapidly executed freehand drawing that is not intended as a finished work. If in oil paint it is called an oil sketch. In general, a sketch is a quick way to record an idea for later use. Artist’s sketches primarily serve as a way to try out different ideas and establish a composition before undertaking a more finished work, especially when the finished work is expensive and time consuming (as in the case of a large painting or fresco).

Sketching sharpens an artist’s ability to focus on the most important elements of a subject and is a prescribed part of artistic development for students.

The main drawing here is an artwork I created in 2 hours.  I drew my friend and sketched his features first and then colored using water color.  I have included 3 different types of sketching for your inspiration.