Your quick study could end up looking a little like this sketch.
Drawing people fast is often referred to as a "quick study." Artists use this technique to warm up before major projects or to get the feel of the human figure. This is often done with nude models who change positions every minute or so. The ultimate goal is to get the eye moving and quickly grasp the concept of shape, instead of seeing just a person. Think of it as a trick for the mind.
Instructions
1. Attach your paper to your drawing board with your clamps or large rubber band. Set your timer for about 30 seconds to a minute, per sketch, per model pose.
2. Start sketching shapes with your charcoal as quickly as you can. Try to move over the entire figure with your eyes, and start marking the darkest places first. Start from the head and work your way down the page until you get to the feet. If your model is sitting, then work your charcoal from left to right. Do the opposite if you are left-handed.
3. Connect the dark places by drawing over light- and medium-shaded areas. Press lightly while drawing light shapes. Use a little more force when drawing the medium shades. Use lines to show which body parts are where, and allow the pressure of the charcoal to determine the shadows.
4. Use your finger or the kneaded eraser to move the charcoal around the page to give a feel for the flesh. Smooth the charcoal around rounder shapes, such as hips or breasts. Use a light smudge to indicate muscle definition. Use dark smudges where shadows are hitting the figure. Enhance what you did in Step 1--this time give it more definition.
5. Focus on the shape and placement of the shadows on your figure. Do not pay attention to the paper while you draw. Keep in mind that this is an exercise to train your mind to see the figure as shapes. When the timer rings, you can assess what was accurate and what was not.
6. Use the kneaded eraser to clean up unwanted smudges on your favorite sketches. Wash your hands as soon as you are able to, and be sure to dry them thoroughly before turning to back to your sketch pad.
