By: April Adams

Quick sketches, often referred to as gesture drawings, are like windows into motion, freezing a moment in time with just a few strokes of a pen or pencil. They’re not about capturing every detail but rather about distilling the essence of movement and form onto the page. For many artists, mastering the art of quick sketching isn’t just about creating a finished product; it’s about developing a deeper understanding of gesture and movement.

Among these artists is Jennifer Scott, whose recently launched street art quick sketches collection depicts how this seemingly unamusing art form can portray gestures in the unique ways.

Jennifer, a Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts graduate, is a multi-niche artist who has been in the field for 25 years. During this time, she has showcased her art in galleries like Prelude, Gallery 161 West, and Mack Worthington.

Besides painting and sculpting, sketching is an art form that Jennifer believes she connects really well with. Her notable sketching projects include At A Distance, a collection of sketches of empty public places made in 2021, and I Saw You Once.

Drawing insights from Jennifer’s experience and advice, let’s explore what quick sketching entails and how new artists can grow their skills in this craft.

Understanding Quick Sketching

Quick sketches are the visual equivalent of shorthand, capturing the essence of a subject’s movement with minimal lines. Jennifer explains, “It’s about training your eye to see the essential lines and shapes that define the subject’s form. It’s a process of distillation—finding the core elements that convey the energy and movement.”

Mastering the Technique

According to Jennifer, mastering quick sketching requires the ability to observe, reimagine, and depict the idea on the canvas smoothly.

She suggests young artists start by observing everyday scenes—people walking, animals in motion, and even objects caught in the wind. Then, try to capture the essence of what they see with quick, gestural strokes.

Observation lies at the heart of quick sketching. Jennifer recommends practicing blind contour drawing—a technique where you draw the subject without looking at your paper. “Blind contour drawing forces you to focus solely on the subject’s form and movement, enhancing your observational skills,” she explains.

Once an artist has clearly observed what to draw, it’s time for experimenting and finding what suits your style. Jennifer advises budding artists not to be afraid to use unconventional tools like charcoal or ink brushes. Apart from tools, artists must confidently try different expressions of depicting the scene they have captured in mind. They must embrace the spontaneity of quick sketching and let go of perfectionism.

Understanding anatomy is another crucial aspect. Jennifer adds that by familiarizing yourself with anatomy, you’ll be better equipped to capture the nuances of gesture and movement in your sketches.

The Allure and Impact of Quick Sketches

That being said, to master any form of art, it is crucial to understand its impact and allure. Same goes for quick sketches.

Quick sketches possess a raw, immediate quality that draws viewers in. “There’s a sense of energy and spontaneity in quick sketches that you don’t always find in more polished artworks,” Jennifer observes. “They’re like visual snapshots, capturing a moment in time.”

Moreover, quick sketches transcend artistic boundaries, making them a valuable tool for artists across various disciplines. Whether you’re a fine artist, animator, or designer, mastering quick sketching can enhance your ability to communicate ideas and concepts. Jennifer notes, “Quick Sketching is a powerful means of expression that allows artists to convey emotion and movement in a direct and visceral way.”

Summary

Mastering the art of quick sketching is a journey of discovery and self-expression. By embracing spontaneity, experimenting with different techniques, and honing their observational skills, artists can capture the essence of movement and gesture with just a few swift strokes.

As Jennifer Scott demonstrates, quick sketches have a unique allure and impact that make them a valuable tool for artists of all levels. So, grab your sketchbook and pen, and embark on a journey to master the art of quick sketching—you never know what moments you might capture along the way.

Published by: Nelly Chavez