1. Sketch

In the traditional painting system, drawing is considered one of the most fundamental and important compositional techniques. It is not only the starting point for painting training but also an important method for understanding form, spatial relationships, and visual order. Through the study of lines, light and shadow, and proportions, drawing establishes a clear structural foundation for painting, enabling artists to accurately organize the forms in the picture.
The core tasks of sketching are observation and structural analysis. Artists outline the basic contours of objects with lines, and then express volume and spatial relationships through variations in light and shadow. In this process, the accuracy of proportion and structure is particularly important. For example, in figure or still life sketching, artists need to determine the proportional relationships between forms through overall observation, thereby establishing a stable pictorial structure. Lines not only depict the external form but also reveal the internal structure of the object.
The relationship between light and shadow is another key element in drawing composition. Through the interplay of light and shadow, a flat surface of paper can express three-dimensional volume. The layers between light, mid-tones, and dark areas give forms a sense of space. This structure of light and shadow not only enhances visual realism but also helps artists understand the spatial relationships of forms.
In traditional art education, drawing training is often considered the foundation of all painting techniques. Whether it's oil painting, watercolor, or other forms of painting, drawing ability is a prerequisite. Through drawing training, artists can improve their observation skills and master the basic principles of form composition.
Therefore, sketching is not only a technique of expression, but also a form of compositional training. It establishes the structural order of the picture through lines, proportions, and the relationship between light and shadow, providing a solid visual foundation for traditional painting.
