The Secret in the Studio - An Interview with the Chinese Oil Painting Realism School

Author: Wang Huanchun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: When various novel art forms continue to emerge, fashion becomes an important language in contemporary life; when tradition is neglected and forgotten; when people treat life and art more hastily or indulgently today, there are still some who persist in their long-standing ideals, expressing their poet-like sentiments through their beloved realistic painting. Their dedication to the creative process and their demand for perfection are almost relentless, their extreme devotion to rationality and traditional culture. This is a collective of like-minded individuals—the Beijing Realist Painting Group. We love realistic painting and firmly believe in its enduring value and vitality. We continuously refine our artistic styles and visual characteristics, inspiring and supporting each other to form a high-standard school of contemporary Chinese realistic oil painting. We respect traditional culture, emphasize humanism and rationality, and firmly believe: without tradition, there is no civilization! We advocate a serious attitude toward work and rigorous artistic expression, genuinely embracing life and art, promoting a culture of excellence, and pursuing the highest level of expressive perfection! We utterly reject the lowbrow, casual, and irresponsible attitudes found in modern cultural life; we disdain superficial, vulgar, and anti-civilized approaches! We hope for the enhancement of the entire society's culture and civilization. We focus on human emotions and life, cherishing authenticity and naturalness, and we are a collective pursuing spirit and ideals. Our works are odes to human civilization. This book includes the professional resumes, works, artistic insights, and self-assessments of outstanding contemporary realist painters. It compiles their significant works and personal information from different periods and types. The interview sections touch on personal development and various issues in contemporary art. Through their insights, readers can gain a detailed understanding of the value and meaning of art in the hearts of different painters. Each of them traces their journey from art enthusiast to artist, while also offering guidance on how to enter the realm of realistic oil painting. This book is not only a professional read on realistic oil painting but also an invaluable reference for. The entire book features thirteen painters, ordered by age, with 500 paintings and 300 personal photos of the artists.