Sketching Fast vs. Sketching Slow: The Pros and Cons

Lately, I've been experimenting with a slower sketching approach, investing more time and adding extra lines. 

It's not a new concept for me; I revisit this phase from time to time. 

My previous experience with it was brief but productive, resulting in a collection of lighthouse sketches and delightful panoramic en plein air creations.

Sketching Quickly: Advantages

1. Forces Simplification: Quick sketching compels you to focus on the essentials, capturing the core elements of your subject.
2. Works Well with Continuous Line: The fast-paced approach aligns perfectly with continuous line drawing, creating fluid, dynamic sketches.
3. Harder to Overwork: When you sketch swiftly, the risk of overworking the piece is reduced, maintaining a fresh, spontaneous feel.
4. Colors Naturally Flow: Swift sketches tend to have a harmonious color palette, with colors flowing naturally to complement the composition.
5. Hard to Blame Yourself for Mistakes: Mistakes become less significant in rapid sketching, as they often add character and uniqueness to the piece.

Sketching Slowly: Advantages

1. More Detail: Slower sketching allows you to add intricate details, creating a more comprehensive and refined representation of your subject.
2. Bigger Art: Taking your time often results in larger and more complex artworks that showcase your subject in all its glory.
3. Focus on Accuracy: A slower approach enables you to be more precise and accurate in capturing the proportions and details of your subject.
4. Focus on Line Quality: While maintaining a loose feel, you can put greater emphasis on the quality and intricacy of your lines, adding depth to your sketches.
5. Richer, Vibrant Colors: A slower process gives you the opportunity to layer colors and create richer, more vibrant color palettes.

Which is best?

It's a matter of personal preference. 

Some may prefer the energy and simplicity of quick sketching, while others may gravitate toward the depth and intricacy that comes with a slower pace. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Which do you prefer – fast or slow sketching? 

Let me know in the comments below.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to sketching, and each method has its unique charm and challenges. 

Happy sketching!