Which technique would you use to effectively capture the volume and form of an object in a drawing?

Foreshortening is a technique used in drawing and painting to create the illusion of an object receding strongly into the background or coming forward in space. It effectively captures the volume and form of an object by depicting it in a way that shows how it appears from a specific viewpoint. This method relies on altering the proportions of the object to simulate depth and perspective, allowing the viewer to perceive the three-dimensional quality of the subject.

In contrast, cross hatching is primarily used for shading and texture rather than directly conveying volume and form. Gesture drawing emphasizes movement and overall shape rather than detailed form, focusing on capturing the essence of the posture. Contour drawing outlines the edges of forms, which helps to define shape but may not provide as dynamic a representation of volume as foreshortening does. Understanding the distinct purposes of these techniques clarifies why foreshortening is particularly effective for representing volume and form in a drawing.