The Uses of Sketching -204

Discussing the various uses for the sketch in making pictures including studying anatomy or other aspects of nature, figuring out appropriate gestures and groupings for pictures, doing whole composition thumbnails and more.

In Response to Devan

QUESTION: I would be interested in a discussion about practical approaches to field sketches and studies. For example when is it time to look at compositional considerations vs studying architectural details? I’m just using architecture as an example. I have a hard time understanding when there’s the need for more careful study and when it’s time to move into working out the broader compositional aspects. Some of sergeants Watercolors of Roman architecture is a good example of this. Some of his paintings are really nothing more than closely cropped architectural studies. But it seems as he got a better command of a given structure the compositions got larger and more involved including broader views as opposed to the early detail studies. Thanks

Devan