Term: Cast Drawing

A cast drawing is literally a drawing of a fixed plaster cast. The cast is typically of a classical sculpture with a uniform surface color, although the same term would be used even if the original sculpture were used as reference. This type of drawing is often created by beginning art students as it allow them to draw from lifelike three-dimensional models but without the added challenge of color and movement. This method has been used throughout history in the Italian, French, and Russian traditions.

Richard Frederick Lack wrote the following regarding cast drawing (italics added):

"Seeing proportions correctly and modeling the effects of light and shadow are the first tasks facing the student in his quest towards becoming an accomplished draftsman. Accurate shape relationships and firm, correct modeling remain the backbone of good drawing. Traditionally, cast drawing has provided an excellent means by which the study of shapes and modeling can be initially undertaken. Once set up, plaster casts remain stationary and can be drawn from day to day under the same lighting condition. Cast drawing should be done in charcoal using the sight-size method, using every available measuring device, including a plumb line, ruler or level, and continually checking results in a mirror."