Line Drawing from Beginner to Mastery

Name: Line Drawing from Beginner to Mastery
ISBN: 9787115440457

梁雪Posts & Telecom Press · ChinaSep 2018

4.2

Word count: 36K words
Chapters: 61
ISBN: 9787115440457

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Summary

Book Description: This book is a basic tutorial on the techniques of baimiao (Chinese line drawing), beginning with the tools used and introducing the fundamentals and basic techniques of baimiao. The step-by-step lessons eschew dry conceptual explanations and focus on observation of the subject and rendering of detail. The book is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the origins and development of baimiao, tools and materials, the basic requirements for outlining, methods of observing forms, and the basis for variation in the center line; Chapter 2 covers methods for drawing various fish and insects; Chapter 3 covers methods for drawing various birds and fowl; Chapter 4 covers methods for drawing animals; Chapter 5 covers methods for drawing various flowers; and Chapter 6 focuses on methods for drawing figures, helping readers broaden their thinking and improve their technique. The book offers a wide variety of examples, with beautiful illustrations and thorough explanations. It is a choice for beginners in baimiao and painting enthusiasts, and can also serve as a training textbook for instructional institutions.

Editor's review

Baimiao from Beginner to Mastery is a practical tutorial that systematically explains the techniques of traditional Chinese baimiao (line drawing). The author, Liang Xue, a long-time practitioner of Chinese painting teaching and creation, breaks the complex art of baimiao down into clear, followable steps. Starting from the most basic line training, the book explains in detail the tools required for baimiao, how to hold the brush, brushwork techniques, and how to express the texture and spirit of subjects through the lightness and heaviness, slowness and speed, and solidity and openness of lines. The book not only includes model paintings and detailed step-by-step explanations of classic subjects such as flowers, birds, and figures, but also, more unusually, offers an in-depth analysis of the line organization and artistic characteristics of famous baimiao works from past dynasties (such as a detail of the Eighty-Seven Immortals Scroll), providing learners with a dual path of copying and appreciation.

Compared with some general painting textbooks on the market, the professionalism of this book lies in its adherence to the core principle of "bone-method brushwork." It does not rush readers into completing a painting immediately, but instead emphasizes honing hand skills through extensive, targeted basic practice and cultivating sensitivity to and control of lines. This solid, step-by-step approach is far more valuable to enthusiasts who truly wish to master this traditional craft than a fast-food collection of techniques. The book's modern presentation and demonstration of traditional line-drawing categories such as the "Eighteen Strokes" also make ancient techniques easier for modern learners to understand and apply. Overall, this is a sincere and comprehensive guide that can serve both as a beacon for absolute beginners and as a reference for those with some foundation to deepen and reflect on their practice.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Absolute beginners or early-stage enthusiasts with a strong interest in traditional Chinese painting, especially the line foundation of gongbi and figure painting
Art students or art professionals who wish to systematically study and standardize their baimiao technique and strengthen their expressive use of line
Readers who love classical Chinese art and hope to improve their appreciation and aesthetic judgment by copying classic baimiao works
People working in illustration or design who hope to draw inspiration and nourishment from traditional line-drawing art

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting to learn Western drawing techniques such as sketching and rapid drawing centered on the expression of light, shadow, and volume
Learners seeking quick secrets to painting who lack patience for the long-term investment in extensive basic line practice

Reading tips

It is recommended to follow the chapter order strictly, starting with the basic exercises of holding and moving the brush, and not to skip the seemingly dull early line training
When copying model paintings, first draft lightly in pencil, focusing on the starting, stopping, turning, and pressure changes of the original brushwork, then outline with a brush
Read the appreciation text on classic works together with the corresponding line illustrations, trying to understand their artistic value rather than merely copying shapes

About the publisher

Posts & Telecom Press China · Founded in 1953

Posts & Telecom Press is known for its strengths in science and technology, computing, and information and communications titles, and has extended its publishing into photography, art, software learning, and inspirational growth, giving it a fairly diverse range. Its catalog includes computing and communications works such as Refactoring and Patterns (Revised Edition) and Huawei Switch Learning Guide (Second Edition), alongside bilingual collector's editions such as The Little Prince (Chinese-English-French illustrated collector's edition), The Great Gatsby, and Three Days to See. Beijing Ten Years: 1980-1990 and Ghost Blade: WLOP Personal Illustration Collection reflect its presence in photography and art. Its authors include Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Helen Keller, Joshua Kerievsky, Wang Da, Zhang Zhaozeng, and WLOP.

版权信息
第一章入门
1.概念
2.起源
3.发展
4.特点
5.分类
6.十八描
7.工具和材料
第二章鱼虫
1.蝉
2.蜜蜂
3.蝴蝶
4.蜻蜓
5.天牛
6.纺织娘
7.蝈蝈
8.蟋蟀
9.螳螂
10.金鱼
11.龙鱼
12.鲤鱼
13.鳊鱼
第三章鸟禽
1.黄鹂
2.太平鸟
3.鹰
4.鸽子
5.绶带鸟
6.锦鸡
7.鸳鸯
8.欣赏
第四章走兽
1.狗
2.猫
3.羊
4.欣赏
第五章花卉
1.牵牛花
2.荷花
3.美人蕉
4.牡丹
5.木芙蓉
6.菊花
7.水仙
8.绣球花
9.天竺葵
10.大丽花
11.大岩桐
12.欣赏
第六章人物
1.不同形态的嘴、鼻、耳
2.正面眉眼
3.四分之三侧面
4.侧面脸
5.服饰
6.不同样式的古代服装
7.不同姿态的手
8.不同形状的女性发髻
9.仕女图
10.欣赏

FAQ

I have no painting foundation at all. Can I start learning baimiao from this book?

Absolutely. The book's logic is designed to start from zero. Chapter 1 introduces tools, posture, and the most basic line practice methods in detail. As long as you practice patiently according to the book's steps, you can steadily get started.

Is learning baimiao helpful for subsequently learning gongbi painting?

It is crucially helpful. Baimiao is the foundation and skeleton of gongbi painting. The coloring in gongbi is built on precise, lively line drafts. Mastering baimiao can greatly improve the accuracy of forms and the artistic expressiveness of lines in gongbi painting.

Are the model paintings provided in the book sufficient for practice?

The book provides multiple complete model paintings and steps ranging from simple to complex and covering different subjects, which is sufficient for mastering the basic methods. But to improve further, it is recommended that after mastering the book's methods, you seek out more classic baimiao works from past dynasties for extended copying practice.

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About the author

梁雪 Author

Liang Xue is a Chinese author whose books span the fields of art and medicine; available public information about her is limited, and her nationality, dates of birth and death, and educational background are not clearly recorded. Judging from the three works held in the collection, her writing crosses two areas: painting techniques and traditional Chinese medicine scholarship. In art, Baimiao from Beginner to Mastery and Self-Taught Gongbi: Peonies (2nd Edition) are both aimed at beginners, emphasizing step-by-step breakdowns and technique demonstrations, reflecting a practical approach designed for self-study readers. In medicine, Gui School Renowned Veteran Chinese Medicine Practitioners: Academic Volume: Zhou Deli turns to the organization and presentation of local Chinese medicine academic experience, with the character of academic summary and transmission. The two kinds of works differ markedly in subject, but share an emphasis on practicality and clarity in conveying knowledge, making them suitable for introductory learning and reference.