The Importance of Sketching

Original Post: 9/26/2010
When I'm not working on a 'full-sized' drawing, I am sketching.    Sketching provides the opportunity to

•  explore your subject matter and medium
•  exercise and stretch your skills
•  test out new techniques
•  explore textures, compositions, lighting effects

Sometimes sketches are indeciferable to any one but the artist, nothing more than scribbles.  Other times, they can become a finished artwork.  But most of the time, sketches are just snippets of thoughts or an impression of an idea. 

For an artist, sketching is the most uninhibited and free-est expressive moment possible.  Sketching is an artform in itself and give the viewer insight into the soul of the artist.