When we look at a finished piece of art, we often feel a deep appreciation for that special moment when it transforms from an idea into a completed work. This change is usually shown through sketches and drawings that the artist creates along the way. These early works reveal the artist’s thoughts and invite viewers to see the process of creating art. They offer a glimpse into the artist’s mind, showing the decisions made and the moments of inspiration that drive the work. These sketches are clear records of the effort, trial, and discovery that led to the final artwork.

As a teaching museum, SCMA has always focused on collecting studies and sketches, as they serve as excellent educational tools. The installation Thinking Through Drawing features works by renowned artists such as Alberto Giacometti, John Singer Sargent, Käthe Kollwitz, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, and Diego Rivera. It also includes contemporary pieces by Honoré Sharrer, Alex Callander, and Michael Mazur, showcasing their ability to inspire and reveal the complexities of the creative journey.

Image: Tissot, James Jacques Joseph (1836 – 1902), Young Woman in a Rocking Chair, study for the painting The Last Evening, 1873. Smith College Museum of Art.