Selected Watercolor Works from the Repin Institute

Author: (Russian) Chepotkina et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: Learning painting involves two main approaches: either life drawing or 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 () to skillfully applying (), primarily through classroom life drawing instruction. However, copying is also an indispensable part of the learning process, as mastering basic () is essential before engaging in life drawing. Life drawing fundamentally differs from photography—it is the product of objective phenomena observed through human vision, mental processing, and the application of corresponding (), involving interaction between eye, brain, and hand. Copying is the best method for learning how to represent objective phenomena. Self-study, lacking the conditions of art academies for life drawing instruction, relies more heavily on extensive copying to acquire technical skills, whether learning Western or Chinese painting. Copying is the optimal way to learn traditional techniques and absorb the successful experiences of predecessors. Through copying, students can more efficiently master the methods and techniques of representing objects, avoiding the need to start from scratch and minimizing detours, thereby achieving the goal of learning traditional techniques. The renowned painter Zhang Daqian emphasized the importance of copying, stating, "Painting must begin with copying—it is like reading. Copying is like studying the 'Three-Character Classic.' Without prior reading experience, whether writing classical Chinese or vernacular Chinese, one cannot write at all. Only with a solid foundation in copying can one engage in creation." He advised his students to compare copying to a business with a foundation, warning them that a business without a foundation cannot succeed. Many Western painting masters in the world have dedicated effort to copying the works of predecessors, and the principle is () to 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 expressive methods. After class, they copied these works to consolidate their knowledge, gaining immense benefits from the experience.