Two Figures Conversing; "Prophet" Addressing Group; a Man Leaning over a Ledge (from Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

Here's a look at "Two Figures Conversing," an undated ink drawing by Thomas Sully. It's one of many sketches in his book, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s process. Sully used the immediacy of ink to rapidly capture figures, and the looseness of the marks suggests the dynamism of a live setting. The thinness of the lines, and the economy of the image are the result of his quick hand. This method, using pen and ink, was not about the slow refinement of a painting, but the speed of thought and the rapid transfer of his vision onto paper. This drawing can be appreciated for its own distinct aesthetic qualities, yet it also shows a crucial step in the production of finished artworks. This focus on the processes of making allows us to better understand the artistic and cultural contexts that brought it into being, and the social status associated with particular tools and techniques. By recognizing the value of these steps, we expand our understanding of art, challenging the divide between craft and fine art.