Term: Croquis

A quick linear drawing of a live model made with little or no color. Croquis drawings are typically completed in just a few minutes, after which the model changes pose and another croquis is drawn. The short duration benefits the model because he or she need not remain in a single pose for a long period of time. Croquis is a good method of drawing subjects which don't stand still, such as animals and children.

The term "croquis" (pronounced crow-kee) comes from the French word meaning "sketch." Croquis drawings can be used as a foundation for another work of art, such as a painting, or may be used as works of art themselves.