In gesture drawing, how long should the technique typically be completed?

Gesture drawing is a fundamental technique in figure drawing where the goal is to capture the essence and motion of a subject in a short amount of time. Typically, this process lasts between 30 to 60 seconds, allowing artists to quickly outline the basic shapes and movements of the figure without focusing on intricate details. This approach encourages spontaneity and helps artists to develop their ability to observe and respond to the dynamics of the human form.

By working within this brief time frame, artists are trained to prioritize the flow, posture, and overall composition of the figure, which is essential for establishing a lively and expressive representation. Further, the limited time reinforces quick thinking and enhances the artist's ability to visualize and depict motion, which is crucial for effective figure drawing. Although longer durations like 5-10 minutes can be used for more detailed studies, gesture drawing’s primary objective is to convey movement and energy quickly, making the 30-60 second timeframe optimal for this purpose.