In order to paint a realistic or impressionistic style, drawing is the foundation. There is no substitution for good drawing skills. A fellow artist recently shared an interesting book, The Zen of Seeing by Frederick Franck. In it are quick sketches/drawings from everyday life of the author. Like Andres Zorn, who produced a plethora of etchings as he traveled the world, both drew as a daily exercise. When drawing, one becomes intimate, one with the subject, seeing and recording the nuances that comprise the forms, gestures and energy of the moment.
