Portrait sketch of a painting

Author: Li Zhensheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: Sketching begins by 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 a literal or mechanical copy of the object. Short sketches should not be flat, empty, or dull, but longer works should not be overly focused on details and. Instead, one must keenly perceive and grasp the initial impression that comes from the heart, through color and brushwork to communicate with the subject, continuously strengthening and enriching this feeling throughout 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 dull. Achieving the "sweet spot" is a key training topic in our sketching process. In completing a sketch, the proportion of objective factors of the natural subject versus subjective artistic feelings determines the balance between the two. Handling this opposition and unity of subjectivity and objectivity 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 treatment of the relationship between intention and unintentional, between resemblance and dissimilarity, is the essence of our sketching training.
Oil color sketching and gouache color sketching have 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 cultivation, 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. These works demonstrate 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 research, analysis, and depiction of objects, resulting in more complete works. Some works are rendered in depth, detail, and subtlety; while others are concise, generalized, vivid, and painterly. When I paint, in addition to fully expressing the subtle relationships between forms and colors, I focus more on the depth and richness of the overall impression. I often feel that the effect of spontaneous, expressive, free-spirited, and lingering works is the artistic character I inwardly pursue.