Gesture drawing is a quick sketching technique used by artists to capture the basic form and movement of a subject. It typically involves drawing a figure or object in a short amount of time, often ranging from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. This method emphasizes the overall pose and flow rather than focusing on details, helping artists develop their observational skills. The primary goal of gesture drawing is to convey the essence and energy of a subject, making it particularly useful in figure drawing and life drawing classes. By practicing this technique, artists can improve their ability to depict dynamic poses and create more expressive artwork.