Skip to main content

Artist in Focus: Renaissance Artist Sketches

Tutor: Rachel Moore, print artist

Welcome to Artist in Focus! A series of relaxed monthly art sessions with VVH print maker and artist, Rachel Moore. Rachel introduces a mix of well-known and lesser-known artists working in painting, printmaking, textiles and sculpture.

In each session, Rachel explores a different artist’s story and work before leading three short, creative exercises inspired by the artist’s style. These sessions are all about loosening up, building on your knowledge, experimenting with new techniques and filling your sketch book with fresh ideas. Rachel finishes each session with a focused activity to explore on your own, helping you develop your skills, and spark new ways of thinking about art.

Perfect for all levels, Artist in Focus is for anyone looking to give art a go, explore new techniques, expand their skills and knowledge, and fill their sketch book with fresh ideas.

In this Artist in Focus session, Rachel explores sketches by the Renaissance artists - think Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo, revealing how these early marks shaped some of history’s greatest masterpieces. A sketch is often the first step in bringing an idea to life. Whether capturing a fleeting moment or planning a larger work, sketches offer a unique insight into an artist’s process, showing creativity in its rawest form.

Preparation

Prepare your materials and find a sturdy table or floor to work on.

Video time

30 minutes

Artist in Focus: Renaissance Artist Sketches | Virtual Village Hall | Royal Voluntary Service

Text reads, "Artist in Focus: How to Sketch like a Renaissance Artist with Rachel Moore" over the main image at the top of this page.
Play video
  • Mid-tone coloured paper - blue, brown or grey. Brown packaging paper works very well for this!
  • Something white to draw with e.g. chalk, pastel, chinagraph pencil, acrylic paint pen
  • Something black or dark to draw with e.g. Sketching pencil (4B or softer), charcoal, chalk, pastel

The idea isn’t to buy lots of new equipment but to use what you have!