Masterclass Drawing:

Author: Konstantin Korovin (Russia)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: The essence of sketching lies in structure; what is called fundamental issues are, in reality, structural problems. Korovin's entire painting process is centered around structure. Based on meticulous observation and careful analysis, he makes judgments and synthesizes, and from many of his works, it can be seen that he uses countless dashed geometric lines for this analysis and synthesis. This geometric analysis emerges during the process of moving from the surface to the interior and disappears as it delves deeper into the interior, which is a unique approach by the artist. In this process, he excels at handling the organic, natural, and lively connections between forms, a method that is particularly crucial in basic training. Korovin's sketches first emphasize structure, with tonal value coming second. Since the former is an unchanging essence and the latter is a variable phenomenon, he starts with structure and centers his work around it. At the same time, the artist adheres to the natural laws of light but is not dominated by nature, instead focusing on the organization of objects, the full understanding and expression of structural principles. His paintings do not merely copy nature but rather combine nature within nature and go beyond it. Modeling with lines is a precious feature of Korovin's sketching art. The artist's emotions are always intertwined with the force and charm of his lines. Both straight and curved lines, as well as solid and dashed lines, become traces of his aesthetic cultivation and emotional activity. The countless variations in lines reflect the roundness and thickness of forms; the rise, fall, turns, and connections of brushstrokes, along with the interweaving and fusion of solid and dashed lines, are both rigorous and natural, achieving a high degree of overall completeness. Korovin's paintings are precisely executed with a decisive approach to capturing images, using strong lines to convey rhythm, the flow of life, and passion. Additionally, the artist places special emphasis on the techniques of "major lines" and "mass planes," using straight lines to lead curved lines, with the variations of curved lines embedded within the changes of straight lines. Compared to classical sketches, forms rendered with this technique appear more solid, the works are richer in force, and they have a compelling, breath-taking effect, making the artistic image more lifelike.