Sketching Little Arsyad

A sketch (from Ancient Greek σχέδιος - schedios, “‘made suddenly, off-hand’”, from σχεδιάζω - schediazo, “‘to do a thing off-hand’”^[1]) is a rapidly executed freehand drawing that is not intended as a finished work. If in oil paint it is called an oil sketch. In general, a sketch is a quick way to record an idea for later use. Artist's sketches primarily serve as a way to try out different ideas and establish a composition before undertaking a more finished work, especially when the finished work is expensive and time consuming (as in the case of a large painting or fresco). Sketching sharpens an artist's ability to focus on the most important elements of a subject and is a prescribed part of artistic development for students.