Croquis

A croquis (plural: croquis) is a quick and sketchy drawing of a live model, usually completed in a short amount of time. The primary purpose of a croquis is to capture the essence, gesture, and basic form of the subject, rather than a detailed or highly finished representation. Croquis drawings are often used by artists as a preliminary study for larger or more complex works, or as a method to improve their observational skills and develop their ability to quickly translate three-dimensional forms onto a two-dimensional surface.

The term "croquis" originates from the French word "croquer," meaning "to sketch" or "to crunch." This etymology reflects the rapid and energetic nature of the drawing process.

Typically, croquis sessions involve models holding a series of poses for brief durations, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. Artists use various media, such as charcoal, pencil, pen and ink, or digital tools, to rapidly sketch the figure. The focus is on capturing the overall impression, proportion, and dynamic movement of the model, often sacrificing anatomical accuracy or fine detail in favor of speed and expressiveness.

While traditionally associated with figure drawing, the term "croquis" can also be applied to quick sketches of other subjects, such as landscapes or still life arrangements, where the emphasis is on capturing the immediate impression and fundamental elements of the scene. In fashion design, a croquis refers to a basic outline sketch of a figure used as a template for draping or illustrating clothing designs.