Why Quick Sketch Is Important for Artists + Where to Start

12/18/2024

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What, exactly, is a "quick sketch" and how will this type of drawing practice help me build up my skills? How can I get started with quick sketch, as a total beginner? Are there any tips to make this type of practice more effective?

Quick sketch involves creating simplified drawings of a subject within a short time frame. The artist is trying to capture the essence (or most important information) as quickly as possible, which usually leads to highly expressive and dynamic results.

The goal with quick sketch isn't to create a masterpiece or high-levels of accuracy, but to strengthen the connection between your eyes, brain and arm/hand while developing quick thinking, speed, and confidence.

It is a dynamic type of drawing practice that will help you develop skills that longer pieces simply won't.

Artists usually time themselves when working on quick sketch, though not always.

In this blog post, I'll explain must-know information and practical tips on quick sketch that will help you get immense value from this type of exercise so that you can make faster progress in your art journey.

In the video included here, I share a time lapse of one of my quick sketches.

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What is Quick Sketch?

Quick sketch is all about:

Observing and capturing the essence of a subject quickly
Focusing on major forms, proportions, and values rather than fine details
Trying to communicate more with less
Keeping it simple and letting go of perfectionism
Strengthening the connection between your eyes, brain and arm/hand muscles
Developing better line quality and expressive results through drawing from the shoulder

Typically, quick sketch sessions involve setting a timer—ranging from 1 to 15 minutes per drawing—and working within that constraint to complete a sketch.

The amount of time you give yourself usually varies depending on your current skill level and the complexity of the subject.

Having a time limit challenges you to focus on what's most important and you eliminate unecessesary distractions.

Whether you're into still life, figures, landscapes and scenes, animals, or anything else, you can practice quick sketch. Just begin with simpler versions of these things and increase the challenge as you develop your skills further.

Why is Quick Sketch Important?

Quick sketch challenges you in ways that longer, more polished pieces don't. If artists don't make time for quick sketch, they run the risk of never being able to work more quickly, or create more expressive results.

Here are 5 key skills that this type of drawing practice helps you develop:

Strengthens Hand-Eye Coordination
It strengthens the connection between your eyes, brain, and arm/hand. It trains you to observe, process, and translate visual information rapidly, building the foundation for more confident and expressive drawing.
Improves Line Quality and Control
By focusing on loose, expressive marks, you’ll develop better line quality and control over your drawing tools. You don't have time to erase or fix your lines. This leads to more unique, dynamic results in your artwork.
Encourages Gesture and Movement
Quick sketching is perfect for gesture drawing, helping you capture movement and energy. If you struggle with stiffness in your work, this practice might be what you need to improve further.
Develops Speed and Confidence
Regular quick sketch practice helps you draw faster and more confidently, which is invaluable for both personal projects and professional work under tight deadlines.
Balances Your Practice
Pairing quick sketches with longer, detailed studies ensures well-rounded growth as an artist. The former hones speed and expression, while the latter develops precision and more "polished" end results.

How to Get Started with Quick Sketch

Here are actionable tips to start incorporating quick sketch into your art practice:

Set a Timer
Start with 10-15 minutes if you’re a beginner, then gradually reduce the time as you gain confidence. Adjust the time based on the complexity of your subject. Make sure you're starting with simpler, single objects and make your way toward more complex arrangements or scenes as you go.
Warm Up First
Loosen up your shoulder and arm with simple warm-up exercises, such as drawing circles, lines, or figure-eights. This will prepare you for fluid and dynamic sketching.
Choose Simple Drawing Tools
Stick to one or two drawing tools for quick sketches, as you won't have time to switch between them as you go. Softer pencils (like an 8B) or charcoal, work well because they allow you to create a range of values with minimal effort. They also allow you to smudge easily with your fingers as you're developing any shading.
Avoid Erasing
Quick sketching is about embracing imperfection. Start your drawing lightly. I'd recommend using the overhand grip to help you achieve thicker, blurrier lines in the beginning. Try to erase as little as possible and simply use darker line work to emphasize the "correct" shapes.
Draw Large
Use a larger sketchbook (at least 9x12 inches but preferably larger) to encourage drawing from your shoulder rather than just using your wrist. Larger newsprint sheets can also be mounted on a drawing board or easel. This helps improve line quality and control over your drawing tools. I explain why drawing on a tilted surface is so important in this video here.
Observe First
Take a few moments to study your subject before starting. Look for major shapes, proportions, and potential challenges, then form a mental strategy before putting pencil to paper.
Work from General to Specific/Large to Small
Begin with broad shapes and proportions, then refine details as time allows. This ensures you maintain accuracy and structure in your sketches. Check out my video on the 3 Keys to Drawing Anything. Understanding these will help you move through your drawing process more successfully.

Recommended Sketching Supplies

Derwent Drawing Pencils School Supplies 12 Count (9B-H)

Winsor & Newton Studio Collection, 6 Count, Charcoal Pencils

Artist Sketch Board 23" x 26"

Strathmore 300 Series Sketch Pad, 14x17 inch, 100 Sheets, Top Wire

Best Sketching and Watercolor Tutorials Erika Lancaster

Key Tips for Success

Practice Regularly: Make quick sketch a part of your daily or weekly routine.
Experiment with Subjects: Draw a variety of objects, scenes, and figures to keep things interesting and challenging.
Use Reference Photos and Real Life: Work from both photos and direct observation to build versatile skills.
Be Patient: Your first few sketches may not turn out as you’d like—and that’s okay. Improvement comes with consistent effort.
Track Your Progress: Save your quick sketches and revisit them over time to see how much you’ve improved.

Quick sketch is a powerful tool for beginner artists looking to improve their drawing skills.

It trains your eye, sharpens your technique, and boosts your confidence, all while adding a fresh, expressive quality to your work. By making time for both quick sketches and longer studies, you’ll become a more versatile, confident artist.

Ready to give it a try? Grab your sketchbook, set a timer, and start capturing the world around you with speed and simplicity.

The more you practice, the better you'll get and the more fun quick sketch will be!