Chinese painting copybook. Yang Zhiguang's figure painting techniques

Author: He Junheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1996-08-01
Features: In ancient times, learning to paint began with copying. During the Six Dynasties, Xie He included "transmission and imitation" in the Six Principles of Painting, passing it down to later generations. Throughout history, all renowned masters were deeply versed in tradition, eventually transcending it to develop their own unique styles. They fully understood the value of "transmission and imitation." Of course, there were also those who merely repeated the old ways, becoming more rigid with each copy, trapped in the patterns of the past and unable to break free. Such copying methods can be called "dead copying," lacking the vitality of true painting and failing to grasp the essence of the subject. Painting must learn from nature, but it must also learn from the masters. The so-called "vitality" lies in understanding the masters' thoughtful observation of nature through copying, learning to observe and express subjects. In this sense, "copying" is also a form of "sketching from life."
We have compiled this series of "Chinese Painting Copybooks," planning to include subjects such as landscapes, flowers and birds, grasshoppers, and flying birds. We invite renowned masters to provide artwork, with the aim of offering readers excellent learning models. This allows for daily reflection and progress, helping them achieve their own artistic careers.