Asketch (ultimately fromGreek σχέδιος –schedios, "done extempore"[1][2][3]) is a rapidly executed freehanddrawing that is not usually intended as a finished work.[4] A sketch may serve a number of purposes: it might record something that the artist sees, it might record or develop an idea for later use or it might be used as a quick way of graphically demonstrating an image, idea or principle. Sketching is the most inexpensive art medium.[5]
Sketches can be made in any drawing medium. The term is most often applied to graphic work executed in a dry medium such assilverpoint,graphite,pencil,charcoal orpastel. It may also apply to drawings executed in pen and ink, digital input such as adigital pen, ballpoint pen,marker pen,water colour andoil paint. The latter two are generally referred to as "water colour sketches" and "oil sketches". A sculptor might model three-dimensional sketches inclay,plasticine or wax.
The two methods in sketching are line drawing and shading.
A line drawing is the most direct means of expression. This type of drawing withoutshading orlightness, is usually the first to be attempted by an artist. It may be somewhat limited in effect, yet it conveysdimension, movement, structure and mood; it can also suggesttexture to some extent.[6]
"Line gives character, but shading gives depth and value – it is like adding an extra dimension to your sketch."[7]
When the pencil is handled almost as if it was a brush, resulting a paintlike quality, then the technique is called Pencil Painting.[8]
Starting with a pencil drawing first, then washing over the pencil areas with a sable haired water color brush dipping it into the benzine is calledwash and benzine. Benzene does not itself add color, but merely modifies the shaded pencil areas.[9]
Sketching is generally a prescribed part of the studies of art students.[10] This generally includes making sketches (croquis) from a live model whose pose changes every few minutes. A "sketch" usually implies a quick and loosely drawn work, while related terms such asstudy,modello and "preparatory drawing" usually refer to more finished and careful works to be used as a basis for a final work, often in a different medium, but the distinction is imprecise.Underdrawing is drawing underneath the final work, which may sometimes still be visible, or can be viewed by modern scientific methods such asX-rays.
Most visual artists use, to a greater or lesser degree, the sketch as a method of recording or working out ideas. The sketchbooks of some individual artists have become very well known,[4] including those ofLeonardo da Vinci andEdgar Degas which have become art objects in their own right, with many pages showing finishedstudies as well as sketches. The term "sketchbook" refers to a book of blank paper on which an artist can draw (or has already drawn) sketches. The book might be purchased bound or might comprise loose leaves of sketches assembled or bound together.[11]
Sketching is also used as a form of communication in areas ofproduct design such asindustrial design. It can be used to communicate design intent and is most widely used in ideation.[12][13] It can be used to map out floor plans of homes.[14]
The ability to quickly record impressions through sketching has found varied purposes in today's culture.Courtroom sketches record scenes and individuals in law courts. Sketches drawn to help authorities find or identify wanted people are calledcomposite sketches.Street artists in popular tourist areas sketch portraits within minutes.[10]
Media related toSketches at Wikimedia Commons| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
