Degas sketch

Author: (French) Degas
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: Learning to draw, whether pursuing professional education or self-study, generally follows two approaches: observation and copying. Since academic institutions are well-equipped, have standardized teaching curricula, and offer teacher guidance, they place greater emphasis on observation-based teaching. From foundational courses, students progress systematically, gradually deepening their understanding from basic skills to proficient application. Classroom observation is the primary teaching method, but copying courses are also indispensable during the learning process, as mastering basic techniques is essential for observation. Observation fundamentally differs from photography—it is the product of an individual's observation of objective phenomena, mental processing, and the application of corresponding techniques, involving a dynamic interaction between eye, brain, and hand. Copying, on the other hand, is the best method for learning to represent objective phenomena. In the past two years, the author has visited dozens of new and old art schools and art departments in universities across 8 provinces and cities, and has been particularly struck by the weak teaching resources and insufficient high-quality art image materials. Tianjin People's Fine Arts Publishing House has gathered its core editorial team to compile this series of books, collecting renowned artworks and outstanding studies from prestigious art academies and museums in China and abroad over the past two decades. Adhering to the principles of meticulous editing and printing while keeping prices affordable, the series aims to provide supplementary reading materials for higher art education institutions and self-taught art enthusiasts, contributing to the improvement of China's higher art education standards.