Master Sketch. Character

Author: (Russia) Repin painted
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: Learning to paint, whether entering a professional institution or self-studying, generally follows two approaches: one is life drawing, and the other is copying. Due to the comprehensive facilities, standardized teaching outlines, and teacher guidance in institutions, they place greater emphasis on life drawing instruction. Starting from basic courses, students progress systematically and gradually delve deeper, from initially grasping () to skillfully applying (), primarily through classroom life drawing instruction. However, copying courses are also indispensable during the learning process, as without basic (), life drawing cannot be conducted. Life drawing fundamentally differs from photography—it is the product of objective things observed through human vision, thinking, and the adoption of corresponding (), involving interaction between eye, mind, and hand. Copying is precisely the best method for learning how to represent objective things. Self-studying painting, lacking the conditions of institutions for life drawing instruction, relies more heavily on extensive copying to acquire techniques. This applies to both Western and Chinese painting. Copying is the best means to learn traditional techniques and absorb the successful experiences of predecessors. Through copying, one can more conveniently learn how to represent objects and techniques, avoiding the need to start from scratch and minimize detours, thereby achieving the goal of learning traditional techniques. The painter Zhang Daqian particularly emphasized the importance of copying, saying, "Painting must begin with copying—it is like reading books. Copying is like studying the 'Three-Character Classic.' If one has never read books, whether writing classical Chinese or vernacular Chinese, they cannot write either. Only with a solid foundation in copying can one talk about creation." He advised his students to compare copying to a business with a foundation, warning them that a business without a foundation cannot be conducted. Many Western painting masters in the world have devoted effort to copying the works of predecessors, and the principle is () to learning Chinese painting. I remember when I was at the art college, the classroom always displayed some sketches and works by famous painters. The students continuously observed and analyzed these works in class, adjusting their own methods of representation, and then copied these works after class to consolidate their knowledge, gaining great benefits from this. This series of books is published with the principles of careful editing and printing, striving for low prices, aiming to provide supplementary reading materials for teaching in higher art colleges and for self-studying art enthusiasts, contributing its efforts to improving the level of higher art education in the country.