New Start: Basic Sketch Atlas (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Zhai Xinjian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-06-01
Features: The purpose of Basic Sketch Handbook is to emphasize the importance of foundational teaching. Adhering to the principle of learning step by step, it is like building a house—laying a foundation is an irreplaceable stage, and the quality of the foundation directly affects the success or failure of the entire structure. Throughout the history of art's ever-changing development, it is evident that sketching, as the fundamental language of painting, remains eternal, though it continues to evolve over time. Sketching is not merely about outlining and structuring; it is more importantly about expressing a sense of life and artistic inspiration through the study and depiction of objective objects. Basic sketching is the embryo of art. Learning basic sketching requires following its objective laws, starting from simple basics and gradually advancing to complex levels, moving from the superficial to the profound. It demands rigorous scientific and systematic training, diligent exploration, and a spirit of "focusing on effort rather than results." Only in this way can one gradually master the modeling skills of sketching, allowing them to freely roam the realm of art. Those who seek quick success and are unwilling to study diligently will achieve nothing. As the ancients said, "A good learner exhausts the principles, and a good practitioner investigates the difficulties." A skilled learner must deeply understand the underlying principles, while a skilled practitioner must explore the challenges of things. This is especially true in sketching learning—basic concepts must be clear and well-understood, knowing the reasons behind them.