Sketching or drawing from life — observing and depicting natural scenes or people directly; often used as an art practice.
美術の授業で公園に行き、木を写生した。
In art class we went to the park and sketched a tree.
夏の写生大会には多くの学生が参加する。
Many students participate in the summer sketching contest.
外で写生をすると光や影の捉え方が上達する。
Sketching outdoors improves how you capture light and shadow.