Drawing Pencil Sketches

This is another approach to drawing people. Drawing pencil sketches is the most immediate way to get in touch with the subjects you have chosen to draw. Since all you use is a drawing pencil, a piece of paper, and an eraser, you are free to concentrate solely on the drawing.

You don't have to be concerned with using your materials correctly, (for example oil paints, paint thinners, brushes, color mixing, palettes, canvases, and so on). All you have to think about is simply getting the pencil lines down on the paper ... you're going straight to the "matter of drawing".

The term “sketch” can often be misunderstood. A sketch is often thought to be quickly done, unfinished, and possess an "amateur" quality. I do agree that sketches are done quickly, however, they can create beautiful pieces of art.

Drawing pencil sketches can be done with a few lines, in just a couple of minutes ... and they can produce wonderful results.

Other "sketches" can take a couple of hours ... and they, too, can produce wonderful results.

(Michelangelo spent seven years painting the Sistine Chapel ... so in comparison, a couple of hours is pretty darn quick.)

The above, is an example of a pencil sketch I did of a friend who sat for me. Despite its simplicity, it captures the likeness and the essential character of my friend, Sandra. It shows what can be done with just a few lines ... but those few lines, are the correct lines.

Remember a "sketch" is just another name for a quickly done drawing. Quick drawings have to be accurate, but in order to put lines down accurately on paper, you have to practice.

If you look at the contour drawings and gesture drawings you'll understand the importance of capturing your pencil lines quickly.

This is a drawing of Mr. David Parsons. He is an intelligent man with a fascinating history. Mr. Parsons was pleased with his drawing, since it captured him so accurately.

One of the benefits of drawing people from life is that you get to know some interesting people in a remarkably short period of time. I'm not sure, but this very well might help me subconsciously to capture their character.

This drawing took one hour.

He must know almost every jazz standard that was ever written. Between the tunes I was honored to hear him play, and the jokes he told me ... I couldn't get him to sit still.

Therefore this drawing had to be done in ten minutes.

That's the fastest, accurately drawn portrait I've ever done!



Acquaintances who have seen the drawing, say it looks just like him.

What an entertaining visit with a marvelous man.

Here's my buddy, Bill, movie critic extraordinaire. A unique, interesting, and often intense man (as you'll see in the drawing.)

Drawing pencil sketches from life is always a challenge, but Bill proved to be a surprisingly patient model.

As always, I produced a variety of images during a few visits to his home. I chose this one because I thought it captured him the best.

Stay tuned! There's more to come on drawing pencil sketches.


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