Ivan Aivazovsky Portfolio

Author: (Russia) Ivan Aivazovsky
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Learning to paint, whether attending professional art schools or self-studying, generally follows two main approaches: one is observation drawing, and the other is copying. Since art schools are equipped with comprehensive facilities, standardized teaching curricula, and teacher guidance, they place greater emphasis on observation drawing. Starting from basic courses, students progress systematically, gradually mastering (formal foundations) and then skillfully applying (formal techniques). Classroom observation drawing is primarily used, but copying courses are also indispensable during the learning process, as mastering basic formal techniques is essential for observation drawing. Observation drawing fundamentally differs from photography—it is the product of interaction between the eye, brain, and hand, where objective objects are observed, processed through cognitive thinking, and expressed through corresponding formal techniques. Copying is the best method for learning how to represent objective objects. For self-studying painting, without the conditions of art schools to conduct observation drawing instruction, the main means of acquiring technical skills relies heavily on extensive copying, whether learning Western or Chinese painting. Copying is the best method for learning traditional techniques and absorbing the successful experiences of predecessors. Through copying, one can more conveniently learn methods and techniques for representing objects, avoiding unnecessary exploration from scratch and achieving the goal of mastering traditional techniques. In the past two years, I have visited dozens of new and old art schools and art departments in universities across 8 provinces and cities, and the most prominent issue I noticed is the weak teaching resources and insufficient high-quality art image materials. Tianjin People's Fine Arts Publishing House has concentrated its core editing team to compile a series of books over the past two decades, gathering famous artworks and outstanding studies from prestigious art academies and museums both domestically and internationally, as well as from (outstanding artists). Adhering to the principles of meticulous editing and printing, while striving for affordable pricing, this series aims to provide supplementary reading materials for higher art education institutions and self-studying art enthusiasts, contributing to the improvement of national higher art education standards.