sketch

A sketch is a rapidly executed drawing that aims to capture the essential features of a subject, idea, or composition. It tends to be less finished than a study or completed artwork, prioritizing gesture, proportion, line quality, and overall form over precise detail. Sketches can be produced on paper, canvas, or digital media, and may employ pencils, charcoal, ink, markers, or styluses.

Purposes of sketching include recording immediate impressions, exploring shapes and relationships, testing composition and perspective, and planning larger works such as paintings, sculptures, architectural plans, or designs. A sketch may function as a standalone brief image or as a preliminary step in a longer creative process.

Historically, sketching has been a central practice in both art and design. In the Renaissance, artists kept sketchbooks to study anatomy, light, and perspective. Masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo produced extensive preparatory drawings. In the ensuing centuries, sketching became a common tool for painters, draftsmen, and architects to think through ideas quickly. In modern times, the emphasis on spontaneity and improvisation has continued, with many artists valuing sketches for insight and experimentation as much as for documentation.

Techniques commonly used in sketching include gesture drawing to convey movement, contour drawing for edges, blind contour to enhance observation, and various shading methods such as hatching or tonal blocks to suggest volume. In the digital era, sketching frequently occurs with tablet devices and software, enabling easier iteration, layering, and sharing among artists and designers.