Color Basics Teaching. Gouache Still Life Demonstration

Author: Li Zhensheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: Sketching begins with observing nature through one's own eyes, observing the subject. In other words, sketching is about painting what we see with our eyes, seeking depth and truth. However, this does not mean copying or imitating nature in a naturalistic manner. Short sketches should not be dull, empty, or monotonous, but longer works should not be overly focused on details and. Instead, one must keenly perceive and grasp the initial feeling that comes from the heart, through color and brushwork to communicate with the subject, continuously enhancing and enriching this feeling during the painting process. Painting too thoroughly can make the work stiff and lack vitality, while painting too simply or superficially can make it feel empty and monotonous. Achieving the "right balance" is a key training topic in our sketching process. In completing a sketch, how much is determined by objective factors of the natural subject and how much by subjective artistic feelings—handling the opposition and unity of these subjective and objective elements—is also the purpose and task of our sketching training. Sketching also trains and cultivates our ability to observe objects and the subtle changes in nature deeply and meticulously, and to discover what truly moves us. Then, we use our brushwork and color to express the poetic and brushwork charm we feel in our hearts. The relationship between intention and unintention, between resemblance and dissimilarity, is the essence of our sketching training.
Oil color sketching and gouache color sketching have now become essential subjects for art exams in China's higher art colleges. Color sketching training is also the necessary path for beginners to progress from exercises to creation and artistic expression. Through rigorous color sketching training, in addition to cultivating solid realistic skills and profound color appreciation, one can also accurately and skillfully grasp the inner spirit of color sketching through long-term practice. Most of the works in this book are demonstration paintings for teaching purposes. These works showcase the basic methods and steps of color sketching. Although they are exercises, they reflect the fundamental teaching standards and requirements. These works vary in style and form, including short-term exercises that pursue generalization, simplicity, and wholeness, as well as longer exercises that involve in-depth study, analysis, and depiction of the subject, resulting in more complete works. Some works are detailed, subtle, and nuanced; others are concise, generalized, vivid, and painterly. When I paint, in addition to fully expressing subtle relationships between forms and colors, I place greater emphasis on deepening and enriching the overall feeling. I often find that spontaneous, expressive, unrestrained, and lingering works best reflect the artistic character I seek in my heart.