What is a practice technique for developing observational skills in art?

Regular sketching from life is an essential practice technique for developing observational skills in art because it encourages artists to closely examine their surroundings and translate what they see onto paper. This process enhances an artist's ability to observe details, such as proportions, shapes, light, and shadow, which are crucial for creating realistic and compelling artworks. By sketching from life, artists must engage their visual perception on a deeper level and learn to capture the essence of their subjects, whether they are people, objects, or landscapes.

Other techniques, such as watching art documentaries, reading about famous artists, or writing art critiques, while beneficial for gaining knowledge and inspiration, do not directly engage the artist's observational skills in the same way that live sketching does. These activities provide context and understanding of art history and critique but do not replace the hands-on practice that comes from direct observation and sketching.