Before starting on a painting, many artists make a drawing – a first thought, a starting point. Paper is a great medium to practice on with chalk or pencils, for example. That’s why sketches often include important details or notes about the composition. In this series, you’ll see how sketches can form the basis of a painting, a print or other type of artwork.

Adriaen van de Velde

Rembrandt van Rijn

Gesina ter Borch

Willem Witsen

Johannes Stradanus

Pieter Coecke van Aelst