In the distant past, drawings were primarily used as studies for later paintings. They were not the end itself but a means to an end.

We know this by studying the many planned painting sketches of any of the masters going back into the middle ages and beyond. Just think of Michelangelo and Di Vinci.

Fortunately, drawings today are accepted in a much higher status and accepted as an art form in its own right. However, drawings are still often used as preparatory studies for other works.

When I was planning my acrylic painting, Old Woodie, I made various thumbnail  drawing studies and finally drew a realistic full size (24″X36″) value drawing for my painting.

A drawing or series of drawings can:

• Help familiarize yourself with your subject matter
• Help investigate the play of light
• Assimilate all information
• Give a precise visual reference as you paint
• Help take several preparatory drawings into on painting composition