Sketching

There are so many reasons why any artist should produce a sketch before starting a full painting.  Here are just a few of them:

• allows you to get partial ideas and try different techniques onto the paper;.
• tests an idea before getting too invested in a painting;
• gives people the freedom to consider every wild idea without the fear of making a mistake;
• allows to play with different compositions;
• helps you determine where to apply your values.

It's far easier to discard a sketch than a painting you’ve spent hours on. However, very few amateur artists actually sketch. I must admit to not being diligent about sketching even if I know it will improve the painting I envision.

 

Here is a small sketch that allowed me to see if this composition works.

Danielle