Why Sketch?

Looking at Art:

Egon Schiele maintained the freshness of sketches in his art and so he is a favorite artist of mine. However, I believe most artists use sketches as preparation for more finished work. Sketches can also be practice of the visual language that is an artist’s means of communication and allows us to perfect our skill. Drawing from life is a wonderful way to practice this language. If you are not an artist and you have engaged in doodling, you may understand the spontaneity of the sketch. Do you sketch or doodle?

Work in the Studio:

One of my favorite activities is life drawing, which I try to do as often as possible. It is tricky to find opportunities to work from a model so I go to art centers which provide sessions with a live model for groups of artists without instruction. For me, this activity is an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience. Artist friends of mine share this attitude and so a group of us get together regularly and pose for each other. The sketch shown here was made at one of these sessions.

Sketch of a Friend, Watercolor, 11” x 9”