Selected Graduation Works from the Repin Institute of Art

Author: (Russian) Chepotkina et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: Learning painting involves two main approaches: life drawing and copying. Since art academies are equipped with facilities, standardized teaching curricula, and teacher guidance, they focus more on life drawing. Starting from basic courses, students progress systematically, from initially grasping ( - shaping fundamentals) to skillfully applying ( - shaping techniques). Classroom life drawing is often used, but copying courses are also essential during the learning process, as basic shaping skills are necessary before engaging in life drawing. Life drawing fundamentally differs from photography; it is a product of observation, mental processing, and the use of shaping techniques, involving interaction between the eye, brain, and hand. Copying is the best method for learning how to represent objective subjects. Self-study lacks the conditions of art academies for life drawing instruction, so the primary way to acquire skills is through extensive copying, whether learning Western or Chinese painting. Copying is the best means to learn traditional techniques and absorb the successful experiences of predecessors. Through copying, one can more easily learn methods and techniques for representing objects, avoiding the need to start from scratch and minimizing detours, thereby achieving the goal of learning traditional techniques. The painter Zhang Daqian emphasized the importance of copying, saying, "Painting must begin with copying, just like learning to read. Copying is like learning the 'Three-Character Classic.' If one hasn't learned to read, whether writing classical Chinese or vernacular Chinese, they cannot write. Only with a solid foundation in copying can one talk about creation." He compared copying to running a business with a capital, warning his students that a business without capital cannot succeed. Many Western painting masters in the world have dedicated effort to copying the works of predecessors, and the principle is the same as learning Chinese painting. I remember when I was at the art academy, the classroom would always display works and sketches by famous painters. Students continuously observed and analyzed these works, adjusting their own methods of representation. After class, they copied these works to consolidate their knowledge, gaining great benefits from the experience.