In art, a study is a drawing, sketch or painting done in preparation for a finished piece, as visual notes, or as practice. Studies are often used to understand the problems involved in rendering subjects and to plan the elements to be used in finished works, such as light, color, form, perspective and composition. Studies can have more impact than more-elaborately planned work, due to the fresh insights the artist gains while exploring the subject. The excitement of discovery can give a study vitality. When layers of the work show changes the artist made as more was understood, the viewer shares more of the artist´s sense of discovery. Written notes alongside visual images add to the import of the piece as they allow the viewer to share the artist´s process of getting to know the subject.
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