There are those unaware that Pablo Picasso usually started his paintings with carefully executed and realistic drawings. Later he would paint over the drawings as his study of the subject progressed and deepened. This was not unusual for artists of his time. Many of them, as well as the great masters of the past, drew very realistic sketches and drawings to either over paint or use as a referral for their paintings.

Because of technology, with the onset of computers and cameras, few artists seem to use the word drawing in quite the same manner as in the past; however, they do tend to use it freely. Regrettably, not many of today’s artists study the pencil and chalk studies of the old masters, feeling they no longer apply to the problems of present day art.

However, there are artists that draw simply because they can’t help themselves. Throughout the day they see a scene or a person or something that inspires them and they passionately reach for the sketch pad and pencil or pen. To them, it is something that must be recorded. They might take a few shots (or a hundred) from a camera to also record the inspiration, but the passionate artist will do the sketching as well as take the camera shots. Physically sketching is a statement to their subconscious mind that in here somewhere is a masterpiece, and it will inspire them to paint. The initial action of drawing is the beginning.

Artists that make detailed drawings or sketches of their future paintings say they do it because it helps them work out many problems that may present itself when trying to paint. Also, many of them are aware of marketing, knowing that two pictures are better than one, and it increases the potential for profit. Just imagine what an original sketch of Picasso would be worth today.

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