Gesture and Motion Like Degas: A Charcoal Drawing Experience
Edgar Degas captured movement like no one else. His drawings are alive with energy, emotion, and expression. This kit encourages artists to loosen their lines, embrace gesture, and explore figure drawing in the Impressionist spirit.
GENERAL INFO:
Gestural drawing is a quick exercise that captures the movement, form and pose of a subject drawn from life.
Degas specialized in this technique as he had to quickly capture the rapidly changing movement of the ballerina subjects frequently featured in his work.
It is typically captured in a short period of time, anywhere from 15 seconds to a minute and as a starting point to move onto bigger drawings or paintings.
TIPS:
Set a timer!
Start with 2 minutes and gradually bring it down to 30 seconds as you get more practice.
Revert to stick figure drawing!
Draw out the overall structure of your figure, focusing on the internal form rather than outlining the shape of the entire body.
Gestural drawing focuses on movement and expression, so focus on the pose and internal components rather than outlining the shape of the entire body. Use scribbles, multiple lines or capture the form in changing positions, whatever you feel will best achieve this!
Work quick and messy!
Leave perfection behind, gestural drawing is all about expression so use swift, intentional marks and above all else, no erasing!
Focus on the bigger picture, not the details!
With very limited time, you’ll only be able to capture the essential forms.
Vary your line work!
Use varying pressure, boldness, curves and patterns to capture the life in your subject. If there is a particular focal point of movement in your subject such as the curvature of the spine, why not emphasize it with a bold stroke?
Have fun!
The great thing about a 30 second drawing is that you don’t have time to worry about how it looks. In some instances you may end up with 3 lines or a giant blob, that’s ok because in 15 seconds from now, you’ll be onto a different drawing and improving your skills!
Included in the Base Kit:
Canvas Pouch With Zipper Closure, Black, 12" x 19'', 100% Cotton
This kit comes with a cream colored canvas pouch with zipper.
Sketchbook - 35 Sheets (Acid-free), 98 lbs / 160 gsm, 9.5"
A compact format that’s ideal for quick gesture studies and composition planning.
🌟 How to use it:
Use the square format to fill each page with different poses or motion sequences. Don’t worry about accuracy—focus on movement and flow.
Nobel Charcoal Pencil Set - Set of 4 Colors + Sharpener
A rich, expressive medium for bold sketching.
🌟 How to use it:
Use loose wrist movements and soft pressure to capture flow. These pencils are perfect for life drawing, dance poses, and layered sketching.
Woodless Charcoal - Set Of 3 (Soft, Medium, Hard)
Intense and versatile. Perfect for layering darks and gestural sweeps.
🌟 How to use it:
Hold at different angles for varying line widths. Use the side of the pencil for sweeping motions or tone-blocking.
Kneadable Eraser
Flexible and clean.
🌟 How to use it:
Use to lift highlights or clean up forms without damaging the paper. Shape it into a point for fine detail.
Tortillons - Set Of 6
Subtle blending and softening.
🌟 How to use it:
Use sparingly! Impressionist drawing thrives on raw marks. Blend just enough to suggest form.
Suggested Add-ons (Available On-Site):
- Aluminum Table Easel:
- Soft Handmade Pastels:
- Korean Synthetic Hog Hair:
- 100% Cotton Canvas Pad, 9" x 12", 300GSM, 10 Sheets:
- Aluminum Brush Washer & Holder with Sleeve:
- Viewfinder:
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Mini Ceramic Palette (Set of 2):
Tips & Techniques – Capturing Motion Like Degas:
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Use short timed studies to warm up—30 seconds to 2 minutes per pose.
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Focus on the spine, weight distribution, and flow of limbs.
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Don’t outline—build the figure from the inside with rhythm lines.
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Keep a page for warm-up scribbles. Let go of perfection.
Try this setup:
Use your mannequin or online reference and begin with 1-minute sketches. Focus on the line of action first. Layer with darker tones. Use the chamois to wipe back areas and redraw. Repeat until a dynamic pose emerges.
