Fundamentals of Drawing/Painting - Russian related

[Book Guru]

Hi Everyone!

As I know, many of you often search for answers... I see many artworks you post here and there, which I easily recognize.
No, I can't answer all the questions, but everything related to the Russian Academy of Arts, to professors who have taught and teach there, to their students who now teach there as well, to many Russian artists who've been unknown to the world until the last couple of decades, ... etc - this kind of questions I can handle. :)

I'd like to introduce several books that have been published on academic drawing/painting recently.

Nikolay Blokhin has been mentioned many times here... Yes, he deserves it. And his most recent publications are Painting (http://4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&category_id=33&flypag e=flypage.tpl&product_id=636) and Drawing (http://4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&category_id=33&flypag e=flypage.tpl&product_id=634) (presents his most recent artworks).

Vladimir Mogilevtsev, a leading professor of the Painting Faculty at the Academy, has published his 2 bestsellers, Fundamentals of Drawing (http://4-art.org/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&c ategory_id=6&product_id=657) and Sketches and Academic Drawing (http://4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&category_id=6&flypage =flypage.tpl&product_id=630).

There are also publications of personal albums by Khamid Savkuev, Yuri Kalyuta, and many others.

I'll be happy to answer your questions or to solve the puzzle "where this drawing/painting came from". And, of course, anything related to art books.
You can always ask me directly any art-related questions at guru@4-art.org.

Here are some samples of academic drawings and paintings (by former and present students of the Russian Academy of Fine Arts), which I will update from time to time:

1150721

1150724

1150725

1150726

1150727

1150729

1150730

[glasses]

Sure was an adventure navigating that order.

spasiba, book guru :)

[Book Guru]

...and do you know you're our very first customer from Australia?! We should give you some kind of discount, to celebrate, I guess...
How about 10% off your next order? :)

Navigation on the site is easy, if you hit the translation button. Unless you speak Russian, of course. ;)

[cdejong]

Hi Book Guru, I'm really interested in buying the book "Fundamentals of Drawing". I have two questions, though. A: how much is the book? I don't understand the pricing, is it in Rubles or some other money system? B: I want to be able to view the images in the book... does this mean I have to buy the physical book? Where could I do this?

[Book Guru]

Hi cdejong,
A. It's 450 rubles (we can't post prices in foreign currency, it's against Russian laws), approximately $14.30 (http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html).
B. We provide a PDF version for free if you purchase an original in Russian (1500 rubles). It's a big format, very high quality print, matte paper, hard cover. Russian students place it on an easel and study/copy directly from there.
C. I hope I wont' get banned for a bit too much of advertising. :)
So if you have further questions, please ask direclty at guru@4-art.org.

[glasses]

...and do you know you're our very first customer from Australia?! We should give you some kind of discount, to celebrate, I guess...
How about 10% off your next order? :)

Navigation on the site is easy, if you hit the translation button. Unless you speak Russian, of course. ;)

Hah, I can introduce myself and give directions but that's it. I'll take you up on that 10% offer :)

Thanks again!

[Book Guru]

I've just sent that coupon to you... please check your e-mail box.

And... this amount of language is enough in any country.
Most of the time what you really need in this life is exactly -
introducing yourself and getting the right directions. :)

[Justas]

Damn, that painting album looks so great... I think you will definately have a customer on that one, after im done with my part time job:)

[Book Guru]

Hey, Justas, if you're really from Lithuania, you could spread the news at your local art schools.

We offer special generous discounts to art institutions worldwide.
Besides, I know for sure that in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania they still teach academic art by old teaching aids printed back in Soviet times, such as Sapozhnikov and others.
So if you think they might be interested, please let me know at guru@4-art.org.

And thank you for nice words! I was lucky to visit several of N.Blokhin's personal exhibitions. My only regret is we can't publish 3D books, as there is a texture that you can't see on even the highest quality print. Besides, the size of a real painting makes also a different impression comparing to a printed version. Also, the light reflection... etc, etc.

[JS Neo]

I have purchased the fundamental of drawing and I find it is a really good teaching aid!

However, I do have some question and I wonder if they can be passed to Professor Mogilevtsev for clarification. One major confusion I have is the sketch step and the next step, Building after a sketch. It seems that the Prof. Mogilevtsev says that in the sketch stage, the artist does not use any measuring method to block out his drawing but mainly use his feeling, intuition to sketch out the subject, and only in the next step, building after a sketch, the artist will check the alignment and correctness of the drawing then. However, what confused me is that to me the result of the sketch step in the book is already very detailed, and finished to such an extent that if there were mistake, it would be rather hard to correct. So why is the checking done only after the sketch step? Is it because of the sheer ability of Prof Mogilevtsev that he can be sure he won't make a mistake that he can do the sketch til that level of detail?

Anyway, thanks for translating this great book. I would love to see more books from Professor Mogilevtsev and other esteemed artist from the Repin Institute.

[Book Guru]

JS Neo,

If I understand your question correctly, it refers to the fact that only several sketch images are shown in this publication. Yes, there are could be dozens or even hundreds of sketches. But if we've placed them all in this book, it will look like an animation, not a teaching aid. :)

To Prof.Mogilevtsev, surely only a couple of sketches could be enough to finish the drawing. However, he made several of them to support his explanations in this teaching aid.

For your wondering on "why is the checking done only after the sketch step", I can only suggest to refer to the book again - I recommend to re-read p.14, 1st paragraph. And please, concentrate on everything Prof.Mogilevtsev says throughout the entire publication. The text takes only 20% of space comparing to the amount of images, and all explanations are very precise and straight to the point.

Please, check with your drawing teacher whenever you don't understand something. Based on your own drawings, I can see you have a good instructor. Ask your teacher to comment your own drawings more precisely (I saw some comments on your drawings, you need more). Ask him to criticize everything you do.

Your drawings are much better than what I've seen with many European and American students' works, but it's still far from what would (hypothetically) be accepted by our Academy (I'm talking about the entrance exams). At this time, you show a very good potential, so I hope you'll stay in this field.
Sorry if I sound a bit harsh, but I usually measure all the drawings to our Academy level, their critique is the most cruel but it gives you a realistic picture of your present level and a good direction for your future artistic development.

As of my personal consultation with Prof.Mogilevtsev... Well, please you have to understand, this man is in huge demand, his schedule is out of reality, so...
We hope to have his private consultations available online, but this won't happen until probably early spring 2011.

And JS Neo, - my tremendous thanks for your suggestions on translation!
I'll be posting corrections to the English version in this thread a bit later.

I hope by this message I didn't discourage you from posting further questions and comments. :)

[JS Neo]

Thanks for ur reply!. Actually my question is not about how many sketch steps appear in the book. I am asking how Prof. Mogilevtsev actually draw his sketch step. After reading ur explanation and reading the page u mentioned, I think I roughly understand what his process is. I will post more questions here if i have any in the future :)

Thanks for ur kind words about my works. I am still far from the level i want myself to be at.

[Book Guru]

Actually, I thought that message was a bit harsh, so thank you for taking it in such a manner.

"I am still far from the level i want myself to be at" - that's the words of a Man, not a Boy. My respect.

Feel free to post any kind of questions. If I can't answer, I'd rather ask my friends from the Academy, or I'll simply admit not knowing the subject.

I've checked the link you gave me.
Assuming you take criticism properly, let me share the following with you.

First, here is a quote from the same book (its very end):

"In the old Academy of the 18-19th century students spent a long time working from special aids before proceeding to a live model. Such aids included old master drawings, plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculptures, classical paintings. By doing this, students memorized classical forms and proportions. Drawing is the only way to understand and learn the form. Just looking is not enough. During the time of Antiquity and Renaissance young artists learnt by copying their great predecessors. This is obvious if we look at how classical artists drew feet, they are stylized in the same manner."

Plaster casts used for your drawings are not really of good quality. Be careful with that. You can use only real masters' works in order to learn the proper way.
Pay attention to the very basics, the fundamentals.
E.g., work "20100724_01.jpg" - look at the pedestal. Improperly done. Check the neck - poor movement (better to say, no movement shown). Using shades of light and dark didn't help you, as you've missed the very basics. Pay attention to how much time (I assume) you've spent enjoying drawing man's hair. Because it doesn't require any special knowledge, it's kind of imaginary thing, as no one can say is it right or not without checking with original.

Painting... Don't rush to that part yet. JS Neo, if you do that, you'll turn too much to "naturalism", which will kill all your ability to draw, the ability that you show now.
Naturalism is a contagious decease of many European and American "photodrawing" systems... Be careful there!
I understand your urge to paint, but... my advise - don't even touch it yet.

Make lots, LOTS of sketches of real people (not models staying still!). Every day, all day... Make this a habit. The nerve edge of knowing that real people can change their pose and expression at any time - makes you draw very fast, thus creating a good habit for your eye - catching only what's important. More sketches you make, more you train yourself at seeing a BIG picture. (Again, going back to that "Greek" sample - all the parts are done like they exist separately, not related to each other - a pedestal, a neck, a face, etc...)

Enough of lecture for today. :)

Correction:
JS Neo, I've showed your drawings to an Academy pro, he said I'm too harsh on you. And if your teacher thinks you're ready to paint, then you should go with his directions (and you have a good teacher, I repeat). The only thing, I'd suggest to paint only with his close attention. But if he comments/corrects at least once a week, this could be just enough. (Our Academy professors don't teach every day either, students are often on their own in the workshop, mostly learning from each other.)

[glasses]

I don't want to sound like a sales representative but I'd like to chime in and say that I've found the fundamentals of drawing pdf hugely helpful and I've actually seen a marked improvement in my stuff in pretty short measure. :)

It's funny. I've read some of the steps and processes outlined in the book here and there in this forum before but the examples and the stages in this book made great sense and just..."clicked" for me?

Anyway, I recommend it to anyone who is tossing up buying it :)

[JS Neo]

Thanks for the morale boosting statement. :D Good to know I am going on the right track.

[Book Guru]

Thank you for your kind words, Glasses!

By the way, here is an update to the English version.

(Thanks to JS Neo from Singapore, E. Farr from N.Carolina, and D.C. from England - for their feedback on translation.)

1. Pages 16, 22, 44:
- reflection light instead of reflex.
2. Pages 16, 18, 42, 46:
- suprasternal notch - instead of jugular fossa

Thank you all for your nice words about our publications, we greatly appreciate it!
As always, waiting for your feedback...
Until soon. :)

[Book Guru]

One of those drawings that make you... well... keep going with your studying, with your drawing, with your mastering and your search for perfection...

A Russian genious of drawing,

Nikolay Fechin (1881-1955) - He had many followers, including contemporary draftsman Nikolay Blokhin...

(I personally find this amazing that all three drawings belong to the same artist.)

[Tonik]

Wow - beautiful and inspiring pics. If I can work it out I'll put in an order later on. The language switcher doesn't seem to work on my version of Firefox - will have a go with IE.

[The~Tramp]

Anyone that is interested in figure drawing I recommend, Fundamentals of Drawing and the companion book Sketches and Academic Drawing. The english pdf is absolutely essential as well. The text is brief and to the point. Important topics covered: Fragmentary observation, Sequence of work (5 stages of a drawing and common mistakes related to each stage).

The second book is loaded with student work. 159pages of awesomeness.

I also have both the drawing and painting books of Nikolay Blokhin. I like his drawings more than his paintings, both books are good.

[Book Guru]

Wow - beautiful and inspiring pics. If I can work it out I'll put in an order later on. The language switcher doesn't seem to work on my version of Firefox - will have a go with IE.

Thank you, Tonik.
Actually, the language switcher sometimes works quite slowly. We've tested it in both FireFox and MSExplore, seems working ok now.

The second book is loaded with student work. 159pages of awesomeness.

The~Tramp,
Thank you for your kind words!
Actually, you received one of the last copies of Sketches and Academic Drawing. They're all sold out now.
At this time, we accept a subscription to the 2nd edition, which will be in English (not so much translation is involved, though, as it's only for introduction and the titles of drawings).
We plan to have it published in January 2011.
Soon we'll start accepting payments, I'll make an announcement on that as well.

As of now, everyone who is interested in this publication (here you can see book samples (http://4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=630)), can save 35% off retail price - $32.00 instead of $50.00.
Just send your request to my e-mail, guru@4-art.org

And, once more - thank you everyone for your kind words and for your interest to our publications!

[Vari]

Could it be possible to show someone's work when he joined the academy and then when he graduated? I guess it's a long shot, but I'd like to see, if possible, how much someone can progress with this disciplined learning method. And what quality is required for the entry exams? Can you show examples?

[Book Guru]

Vari,

There is a CA member, who wanted to compare the 3rd year of our Academy (total 6-year program) with the 3rd year of Florence Academy (total 3-year program).
I've just posted some images at that thread (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?p=2951518#post2951518).

In regards of entrance exams, there are some images here and there... you can check the same thread I've mentioned above for more. There is also some info at Practicum.org (http://www.practicum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=31&Itemid=37) - it's also mentioned in my post in that thread.

I'll try to get some images from the entrance exams from the "Russian Academy Online" group, it's closed for visitors, only by subscription. But I hope they won't mind sharing with me a couple of images to post in here.

And I always recommend to join the group "Russian Academy of Arts - Practicum (http://vkontakte.ru/club16966189)" - it's open to everyone (it's in Russian social net similar to Facebook, called vKontakte.ru). The only "little" problem, it's in Russian (registration is available in English), but they have tons of very valuable images (including high res for studying). As of today there are 190 albums.
There you'll find much information on Academy, albums of great art masters (not only academic!), albums about Academy professors, about exams, etc... some are with very harsh critique (no bad language though!) - ... no one ever says there "you're doing great" :)

There are about 10 albums published there by students who want to hear comments on their work, but it's always easy to figure out which album is what about.

Among the group albums is the one about final diploma exams (http://vkontakte.ru/album-16966189_111867876), all the images taken this spring, at the yearly Diploma Presentation (in Russia we call it "Defense of Diploma", I'm not sure it's the same in English).

Edited: here is another one (http://vkontakte.ru/album-16966189_113457833?st=0) I just found, it's also from Diploma Defense, but shows another hall, where all the other works were presented.

[Vari]

Thank you for your time, I'll definitely check out the links. I see also that a lot of other questions that I had are answered in the thread you linked. I've always wondered what is to be an official art student in a reputable academy. Right now I'm stuck in this law university (it's still awesome, in the center of Paris), but who knows what the future will bring. It's nice to see that some students are about 30 years old. I always had the impression that academies accept only very young people and everyone who discovered art at a later stage in their life is rejected.

[Book Guru]

Vari,

I envy you. I'd study in Paris anything, just for the fact of being in Paris. I just love this little town.

By any chance, are you in copyright issues?
It's my hobby, I like to read books/articles related to this subject, and have my own collection of cases (most from the US) - I mean samples of cases.
If yes, what about starting a new thread on copyright questions? I bet this will be a very popular one. I have about dozens of questions to ask as well.
(but if you're studying a criminal law, please excuse my wrong conclusions) :)

Well.. back to the subject.
I'll be posting some images tomorrow, got a permission to download. I didn't see them yet, so I'm not sure yet it's exactly what you want.

The age is definitely not a problem.
At the Academy, they used to accept boys at 11 years old, so they could go through the whole system of art education without any "wrong" influence.
But this was a very long time ago (18th century).
I don't know an average age of the 1st year students, but here is an example in math:
A boy goes to an art college at the age of 14 or 15 yo, by the time of graduation he is about 18-19yo. Then he goes to the army (it's obligation in Russia), used to be 2 years, now - 1 year only.
But when he comes back, he usually needs to take another year - to catch up. Then he can "try" to enter the Academy. So if he passes exams from his first attempt - he'll start his studying there at about 21-22yo. And that is quite an idealistic scenario.

There are people who take a second, and even third chance to get there. So it all depends on you personal motivation, luck, etc. (I want to remind that the Academy is tuition-free only for Russian citizens.)

But again, for foreign students it's a bit easier to get there, as it "only" requires you to pay for prep courses, and if you studied well - they'll accept you - and you pay again for studying there.

Btw, I've mentioned a couple of times that in Russia an artist of 30yo is "starting his career", at 40yo he is "a young artist", etc.. And I'm quite serious here.

[MidgardSerpent]

Book guru, are there any plans to release an English paper edition of "Fundamentals of drawing"?

[Book Guru]

MidgardSerpent,

Yes, of course. But we plan to have it not as a single English translation version, but rather a parallel translation next to Russian. The text takes about 20%, so the layout won't be changed that much.

Approximate time for a hard copy in Russian is the end of Spring 2011. All our customers who had purchased its PDF version, will receive a refund in case they decide to by a printed version.

You can also ask for more details at my direct e-mail, guru@4-art.org.
--------

Vari,

It's not 100% what you expected, but it's better than nothing, I guess.
I apologize for the quality of some images, they've been taken during exams. You can imagine a nervous breakdown many students have during that time, and to have a cameraman next to you at such time - not a good idea.

I'll separate them into 3 sections: Painting Faculty, Graphics Faculty, Architectural Faculty.
You see the score for each work in either top or bottom right corner. Usually, any score higher than 80 means you've passed this exam, so can proceed to the next one. Less than that means that you need to score much higher at another exam, or you're out.
However, I have scores for Architectural Faculty only.
The images from Painting and Graphics only show the exam process, so I don't even know whether those works have been accepted or not.

We'll keep our eye on this, so sooner or later I'll be posting new images on the 1st year students' works.
--------

Painting Faculty Exam

1121961

1121964

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Graphics Faculty Exam

1121965

1121966

1121968

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Architectural Faculty after Exam

1121969

1121970

1121971

1121973

1121981

1121984

1121988

1121990

[Book Guru]

I guess, soon I'll start posting some painting samples here as well, as this thread is about drawing and painting...

But yet - a bit of graphics first.
Samples from a fine graphic artist and our Academy graduate, Elena Bazanova, from her master class on watercolor technique... That's her own technique that she shares.

The result is at the bottom.

[PenDiablo]

gorgeous watercolour painting :) there needs to be more waterolour portrait threads on here.

[Book Guru]

Watercolor is a very difficult technique.
Bazanova's art is amazing with its perfection, but she mostly works in still-life.
I'll think of some fine samples of portraits made in this technique, will post them here as well.

Merry Xmas to ALL ! ! ! :) :) :)

[PenDiablo]

^_^ cant wait ^_^

HAPPY NEW YEAR

[Book Guru]

Hi everyone,

For all those wondering about the level of prep courses at our Academy -
I've just posted images taken from recent years of student works at prep courses, which includes:
- Drawing, Painting, Composition

You can see them at Repin Institute (Russian Academy of Fine Arts) thread (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?p=2984769&posted=1#post2984769).

[Book Guru]

PenDiablo,

I have some nice samples of watercolor works, all made by the Academy students, 3rd, 4th, 5th year of studying. I've added a couple of pastels as well, I hope you don't mind.
It's from the last week's evaluation, from their Graphics Department and Architecture Faculty. For the Painting Faculty, you can visit another thread (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=181642&page=5), but all works there are made in oil.

All images were taken with a permission of the Practicum.org portal. For more images, you can go to the Academy group in the Russian social net, vKontakte.ru (http://vkontakte.ru/albums-16966189) (you need to register there first).

So here we go...

1150774

1150776

1150778

1150779

1150780

1150783

1150785

1150789

1150790

1150794

1150798

1150801

[aadi]

cooooooool....good luck http://zakirkhaan.blogspt.com

[BillPerry]

I have both the English PDF and hard copy of Fundamentals of Drawing and I think your translation of page 64 is superior to the one in the PDF. I have had trouble understanding the English version in places much rereading helps to understand the concepts which are sometimes expressed differently it is difficult in any art school one needs to learn the language used.

1. Pages 16, 22, 44:
- reflection light instead of reflex.
I think the translation of reflex to "reflection light" would be better translated if it was "reflected light" instead, it makes better English to me.

I also have the same question as JS Neo regarding the quality of the sketch phase in the portrait section. There does not seem to be any measuring going on except by eye and experience and only at the modeling phase, page 18, does he introduce some relationship measuring to be sure of the placement of everything before beginning modeling of the form.

Am I understanding correctly there is no construction or measuring going on except by eye and experience in the portrait or is it the same as the figure section with some stages showing construction or measuring left out in the portrait images?


Painting... Don't rush to that part yet. JS Neo, if you do that, you'll turn too much to "naturalism", which will kill all your ability to draw, the ability that you show now.
Naturalism is a contagious decease of many European and American "photodrawing" systems... Be careful there!

Could you explain more if possible by what you mean by "naturalism". So its clear what to avoid, thanks.

I like the book and am impressed with the Russian teaching and of course the talented artists it produces.

[Book Guru]

BillPerry,

First of all, thank for your interest in the Russian art education as a whole, and in our publications in particular!
And my special thanks for your nice words about our artists (I always take this very personally)... :)

You're so much right about "one needs to learn the language used".
That's why foreigners at Repin have very hard time at the beginning, as they really need to know not only art language but also the art jargon used at the Repin Academy. This comes later, of course, but again - it's not easy.

The book was translated by many people, including European and Russian bilingual art historians. But, as with any translation, it's never perfect.
So again, I express my sincere gratitude to all those who send me their comments on this book.
We plan to have a bilingual hard copy by the end of this spring, so all your recommendations are very important to us.

Please give me some time to answer all your questions properly. I'll be back very soon. :)

[Book Guru]

BillPerry,

I guess I'm ready to answer your questions.

- "There does not seem to be any measuring going on except by eye and experience".

Yes, that's true.
The fact is, your best measuring tool is your eyes.
As it says on page 40, "...Start drawing a portrait with a sketch rather than with building up a portrait itself."

Only by making hundreds of sketches you develop a good memory, thus building up your experience. Of course, you also need to study and understand proportions, anatomy, perspectives, etc. But the academic drawing is done not by pure construction, but by kind of "modeling inside your brain". After many studies, sketches, and corrections by your art teacher, you start making drawings that have all the qualities I've mentioned above.
You know, even people without artistic background might see mistakes in your drawings. This is what I mean by eyes being a perfect tool. Of course, common people can't tell you what's exactly wrong and especially they won't have any idea how to fix that, but this is what is your art instructor for - to not only point to mistakes but to show and explain how this must be done correctly.

I've said this before, but it seems like becoming my favorite saying lately, - after you've made hundreds of drawings of a foot from some Greek casts, you'll know really well how to draw a foot without looking at it, and without thinking too much about "measurements" and "construction".

When you refer to measurements in the "Figure" part of the book, I think you mean page 42, where the drawing by Losenko is given as an example. This actually is the drawing that was used since the very foundation of our Academy, from the end of 18 century. Losenko was not only our first Russian academic artist, but also the very first Russian academic professor. And his teaching system really helped to flourish the Russian academic school in the future.
So Losenko's drawing is given as an example of proportions, or better say academic proportions that is used by the Russian art school.

~~~

And this actually brings us to your second question, about naturalism.

This is another side of making drawings by only measuring and construction. You can take a photo and then, micron after micron, simply copy everything from there into your canvas. But any pro would always question such painting with the same reaction, "Where is an art in this?"
Earlier, I've expressed my opinion in a thread dedicated to using photo for reference. What really surprised me there is that young people were bringing photography sessions by Norman Rockwell as an example of using it for reference in their own art work.

Of course, I also can bring many more samples of great artists using photography, such as Delacroix, Monet, Fechin, Vrubel, Borisov-Musatov, and many-many others (among contemporary artists is Nikolay Blokhin, who's also using many photos of his models during a portrat creation).

Actually, here is a great link (http://vkontakte.ru/photo-16966189_208964856#/album-16966189_125892897), which shows kind of "before and after" samples of how great artists were using photography in their artwork. It's in Russian, but you only need to see images there, so I very much recommend visiting that photo album.

This brings us back to the point of "tools".
If you can show me at least one really good example of a student work based on photo, I'll take my words back. But as a rule, photo tools are used only by professional artists as an additional reference, which helps them in their work, but never replaces the painting itself.
So if a student starts using photography during early stages of his art studying, he simply starts copying, without really understanding the real purpose of everything he sees there. Which can only give us another sample of photo-naturalism (photorealism is a different thing, it's an art movement, and works opposite way).

Besides, since here we're talking about academic fundamentals, you have to remember - in academic art school the photography is never used at the beginning level, it's always considered as a bad taste, or "low class".

Is it wrong to start painting while you're learning the fundamentals of drawing? No, it's not. But this should be done under the guidance of a good instructor. Your painting starts with a good drawing (at least it should be, especially at the beginner's level), so there is no good painting without good drawing behind it.

~~~

And the final word. :)

In my previous post I forgot to mention that even many Russian students, while studying with this teaching aid, have to reread over and over again some parts in this manual. So it's not only about translation, but also about comprehension of this art system.
Besides, the text there is very laconic, it's straight to the point, doesn't give you any time to relax with some jokes and verbiage.

Sorry if I've missed something, but I'm ready to continue this discussion. :)

[Book Guru]

A picture is worth a thousand words...

So here are some samples of what is called naturalism:

1157538

1157539

1157540

1157541

1157542

1157544


There are more images at this link: The Florence Academy of Art (http://www.florenceacademyofart.com/gallery.php)

[keith eager]

Really nice studies. The pics of the profs all together doing evaluations are just great. Great old buildings, we don't have that kind of heritage here in Canada.

[Book Guru]

Keith,

Thank you!

Well... Yes. The building looks like it's never been changed since the 18th century. Which is both - good and bad. :)

Actually, a really great source for seeing the last year Evaluation, as well as last summer Diploma Exhibition at the Academy is at the site Practicum.org (http://www.practicum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=10&Itemid=33).

You'll have a selection of different workshops on that page, just make your choice or check them all.
Translation button is almost at the bottom, left side.

The bottom images (many square boxes 150x150) show the Painting Faculty from 2 weeks ago Evaluation. No Graphic Art Department there though (thus no watercolor pics). But there is a good bunch of those "heritage" images that scare some foreigners. :)

[BillPerry]

I'm a slow conversationalist. :)

Some clarifying statements.
I use to be an art educator for many years my interest in the Russian system is my natural curiosity in the problem of drawing the figure. I have done many life drawing sessions over the years. I no longer practice art or teach because of health reasons. I have researched many figure drawing systems. Drawing artists I admire are Ingres, Schiele, Fechin and Blokhin. You can see why I am interested in the Russian system and your book.

Until recently because of distance, language, politics and the total dominance of Modernism, the Russian system of teaching remained a mystery. Its good that you are making your system available as an alternative system to the new atelier schools springing up.

Back in my day with art schools committed to modernism and post modernism there were no choices like they have today its a wonderful time to be a young student looking for systematic study of the figure.

And this actually brings us to your second question, about naturalism.

This is another side of making drawings by only measuring and construction.

"naturalism", which will kill all your ability to draw, the ability that you show now.
Naturalism is a contagious decease of many European and American "photodrawing" systems... Be careful there!
Well I understand you disapprove of "naturalism". Is it both as a style and/or technique?

I understand from you copying photos is a no no. Using photos as references is okay because the artist is not copying.

Your examples of "naturalism" from the Florence academy are works done from life some 60 to 70 hours of drawing they are not copies of photographs? So I assume your objections are to the style of drawing or the methods, or both, which they use to achieve the illusion of a figure?

According to A'Dora Phillips in a an article she wrote some years ago the Florence Academy is committed to a sight size method using strict measuring. What I see is a system committed to producing tonal painters similar if not the same as the Bargue Drawing course from the French Academies. I know the Bargue Book is touted as the exemplar of French Academy methods by some, what really went on is still debatable.

Having read The Fundamentals of Drawing I see the encouragement of putting feelings into the work from the beginning, the idea of enthusing the work with passion being part of the instruction. Something that cannot be really taught. The other thing I see which we mentioned is the measuring by eye, there is no strict measuring or tonal massing as in the Florence Academy, have I understood the differences you see?

Is it your view that the restitution of appearances by strict measuring and tonal massing is what you call "naturalism" this contagious disease?

Is it the Bargue system with its strict sight size measuring that is spreading this contagious disease ?

Am I close to understanding your meanings on naturalism?

[Book Guru]

BillPerry,

First, what I find very peculiar, is how even the term "naturalism" treated so much differently in different countries.
E.g, if you compare articles on Wikipedia in US and Russia, you'll see not only different meanings, but even somewhat opposite approach. I won't comment on the article in Wikipedia.org, but I decided to copy and translate the one on Russian version, as this is close to how our art specialists treat this term:

Naturalism (from Lat. Natura - "nature") - Late Development of French realism art, which appeared in the 1870's. Naturalists called the former academic artists who have sought to capture as accurately as possible, up to photographic accuracy, contemporary reality - in particular, the daily life of the peasantry and working class. Unlike the founder of Realism, Courbet, their works lacked critical or satirical component.

The most progressive, avant-garde direction of naturalism was the Impressionism - a desire to capture the first impression of reality with a "spray" of primary colors. Before the very term "impressionism" appeared, its members were often called naturalists (as in essay "Naturalist" by Zola in 1868 ). As soon as Impressionists were increasingly recognized, interest in naturalism was disappearing. The task of dispassionate depicting of reality that was set by the artists of this trend, was successfully replaced by photography.

Answering your question,
- "Am I close to understanding your meanings on naturalism?"

Yes, very close.

However, while trying to avoid an annoying lecture on naturalism, I want to point to a couple of important details.

In the 18th century, you'd see at our Academy 6 year old boys sitting in a studio making copies of drawings. And they were forced to make exact copies, even using the same material and media. And they were doing this for years, until they were allowed to admit a Life Drawing Class.
This kind of approach, endless copying of old masters (and their professors) drawings, was not created in Russia, as they were using Italian, French, and German academies traditions as a model when our Academy was founded. As a matter of fact, there were several generations of Russian artists that have to study under foreign professors, until our Russian artist, Losenko, became the very first Russian professor, who was awarded with a title Academician and became officially teaching at the Academy.

The point is, ... well, actually there are several points here.
1. Pure copying (as close and "naturalistic" as possible) is ok, and even required, but only at the very beginning of art studying.
2. In European academies, at some point of teaching, they all could be using all kinds of different methods and tools (Camera obscura, dividers, plotting paper - e.g. while studying perspective, etc) - but the main and the most perfect tool always remained the EYE.
3. In traditional art education, as it still remains in Russia, a young boy would be:
a) sent to an art school (5 years),
b) then enter an art lyceum (4 years),
c) then pass exams to be admitted to the Academy (for another 6 years).
So by the Academy level, he'd be already very much advanced in his art studying and would never end up with pure copying (in the old school, if they'd see someone doing this, they'd say smth like, "you'll never become an artist" - and would have sent such person to teach young boys in an art school).
4. I really would like to know where all this craze about "Bargue method" comes from... Seems like at some point someone was probably trying to sell a book on Bargue, and used it as a good marketing tool. I don't know. But there is no such thing as "Bargue school". It's either French Academy, or not. And if it's French Academy, it's not Bargue.
5. Of course, I understand, when I see someone with a very weak art background (or none), and he wants to see fast results, - then the Florence Academy (and many art ateliers alike) would be a perfect solution. A year ago he couldn't hold a pencil, and now... wow! he makes such copies you almost can't differ them from photographs!
6. Sometimes I think people are blind. There are hundreds of masterpieces in museums all over the world. We all see and admire art there. So we do see the difference, but then we return home and start making copies from photographs! Because someone next to us would say, "hey, it's a mystery... and it's too much beyond of our ability". It's not a mystery!! It's tedious, annoying, scrupulous work 14 hours a day, every day! It takes all your time, all your life... You have to go through this until you start developing your own vision, your own style (and sometimes your own technique)...
But again, if you want it fast and you want to make photographs by brushes - you have plenty of choices where to go and which "system" to use.

(was it me who said "no lecture"...? eh....)

One of my friends from the Academy once have told me, "Kat, it's like in sports. You can buy the most expensive gear, the most cool sport outfit... But this won't make you a great sportsman!"
Like in sports, you first start with practice, practice, practice (under a guidance of an excellent trainer), making 200 pushups everyday. And then something "clicks" in you, you start thinking on your own, you develop your own style, your own vision, you even begin to breath differently from many others who as you're having the same "Olympic Dreams"... and then you become a champion.

[Book Guru]

Guys,

There is another excellent article that has just been published at Practicum.org (http://www.practicum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=145).

It's all about ANATOMY.

Highly recomment to check this out.
(Just remind you, translation button is in the left bottom)

The article is written by the Academy's guru, professor Manasherov.
He is the best at teaching anatomy there.
All images were taken with his permission from the exhibition of his students' works, recently opened at the Academy.

Btw, Prof. Manasherov is listed under the "faculty" of the Florence Academy of Art.
He not only has never taught there, he's never even been there. :)

[Pavel Sokov]

Boje moy, eto vse studenti zdelali?
Poverit nevozmojno, eti raboti tak proffisionalni!

Smotrya na eto Ya mechtayu poyti v hudojistvinuyu shkolu v St Peterburge, kajetsya shto tam seriouzniyi uchitilya i studenti.

Ya jivu v Montreale, Canada, i zdes hudojistivniyi shkoli savsem ne seriouzniyi..

[Book Guru]

Pavel,

Da, imenno tak!

Yes, that's right. All done by students. Not even graduates, but 1st and 2nd year only. Impressive, indeed. :)

I wish I could speak French with your but my English is much stronger.
If you prefer Russian, we can talk via e-mail...
I prefer other CA members not to get confused by what you've just said. :)

[Pavel Sokov]

I am not that great at French myself.

This student work is amazing. Is this the fine arts school of St Petersburg?

This is making me consider the possiblities of returning to Russia and getting a second degree.
I am sending you a message.

[Book Guru]

Pavel,

Yes, all the works I post here and in another CA thread (Repin Institute) - all are either by students or by graduates of our Academy.

Btw, probably no one at CA knows its proper name - some call it Russian Academy, others - Repin Institute.

So here it is... a very long one :)

I. E. Repin St. Petersburg State Academic Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of the Russian Academy of Arts.

(but locals and many others call it simply the "Academy")
As long as you speak Russian, here is a more popular slang for it, all Russian students call it "repa" (репа). :) (cute, isn't it?)

I'll reply to your message within 24 hours. :) :)

[Book Guru]

There is a new art blog academy-practicum.blogspot.com (http://academy-practicum.blogspot.com/2011/03/blog-post_976.html#more) just been published by Practicum.org.
It's all about studying with our Academy professors - but outside the Academy walls.

The very first master class is a Portrait Oil Painting with the Academy Professor Igor Petrov.
It's going to be on video as well.

Below are the images from Prof. Petrov's personal workshop, taken with permission of Practicum.org.

If, by any chance, some of you're in Russia now or will be soon :) - it's scheduled for April 3, noon time.

~~~

Btw, as of today there are over 7,500 members at Practicum social net page, vkontakte.ru/practicum (http://vkontakte.ru/practicum)

Yes, the membership is by invitation only. But I know at least a couple of hundred people who'll be happy to invite you. :)
And then you, in return, will have a right to invite others.

There are 278 albums with thousands of images, 189 videos, and much of useful information, added every day (actually, every hour).
The most popular subject there is obviously the academic art education.
Yes, it's in Russian, but Google-translate helps a lot in breaking the language barrier.

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[Lohre]

I absolutely love the second painting from the bottom. Do you know if that is a painting knife only painting? And does this person have a website or something? Would really like to see more from this artist...

[Book Guru]

Hi Lohre,

That painting was photographed at Prof. Petrov's workshop.
It's one of works made by a 1st year student back in 1970s-1980s.
It's quite hard to find out whose work it is, though it's hypothetically possible as most works belong to the Academy Funds (Archives).

Please remind me in a couple of weeks, I'll try to get some information for you.

(you have a really good eye, Lohre!)

[Book Guru]

There was a master class with Professor Igor Petrov today, noon time (3 hours).

Next master class: April 17, noon time (3 hours).

I hope to get a link to the video by the end of next week.

Here is a glance at what was happening there today:


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[Book Guru]

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder.
The 2nd edition of "Academic Drawings and Sketches" - now in Russian AND English! - is almost ready.
It's in the printing house in China and will be on its way to Russia by the beginning of June.

Here you can see how the new edition will look like (http://www.issuu.com/4-art.org/docs/academic_drawings_sketches/1).
168 pages of the best samples of academic drawings made by best senior students of the Russian Academy of Arts.

To reserve your price ($35.00 + S&H), you only need to send your complete name, e-mail address, and amount of required copies to sales@4-art.org.
You can also do this at 4-art.org website (http://4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=630).

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[Book Guru]

We've just received our first copy of the 2nd edition of the Academic Drawings and Sketches (http://4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=630).

Over 200 drawings and sketches made by the best senior students of the Repin Institute (Russian Academy of Art).
Introduction text by Professor V.A. Mogilevtsev.

Awarded with Gold and Silver Medals by the Russian Academy of Art.

Size: 34cm x 24cm (13.5 x 9.5 inches)
Weight: 1.3kg (2.8lb)
Language: Russian and English
Price: 995.00 Rub (25 euro) - no payment required at this time

Books will be available by the end of June.

Review a complete copy here (http://www.issuu.com/4-art.org/docs/academic_drawings_sketches/1).

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[Book Guru]

Hi Everyone,

Okk... A heavy season at the Academy, diploma defense and exhibitions, entrance exams, heartbreaking news and "the happiest day" in someone's lives...

We're busy as well.

In case you didn't hear good news (yet), our partners have purchased a publishing license (Russian language) for one of the best books on anatomy:

Gottfried Bammes, Die Gestalt des Menschen (http://www.4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=677)

The book is available at 4-art.org (http://www.4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=677) or at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Gestalt-Menschen-German-Gottfried-Bammes/dp/3473483788/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1309181404&sr=1-5).

Yes, it's in Russian but those who've been buying a German version not always knew a word in it.
It's visuals that's really important.

I won't post any Bammes images here (except the cover), as they're very well known. The Russian version is an identical copy of the original Bammes, only in Russian. :)

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~~~

The next one you might be interested as well, though it's expensive:

Preparation Courses Teaching Aid (http://4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=678&category_id=6)

The album presents works made at Prep Courses of the Academy of Art by both Russian and foreign students.
Presented in two languages, Russian and English.

It covers 10 chapters, 228 pages, 190 color illustrations.

Contents:
- Plaster Cast Head Drawing
- Portrait Drawing
- Figure (nude) Drawing
- Interior Drawing
- Architectural Composition Drawing
- Still-life Painting (oil and watercolor)
- Portrait Painting
- Figure (nude) Painting
- Composition
- Sculpture

More images are here... (http://4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=678&category_id=6)

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[Pavel Sokov]

Earlier in this page a book called fundamentals of drawings was mentioned. Where can I get the PDF for it? Is it free? Is it in Russian?

[Book Guru]

Pavel,

The PDF file is in English, it's about 11 euro.
It's free if you buy the original hard copy in Russian.
We refund the PDF cost if later you decide to buy the book in Russian.
Here is the link (http://www.4-art.org/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=6&product_id=657).

[Book Guru]

Guys,

I'm really excited, as today we have finally received our 2nd edition of the Academic Drawings and Sketches (http://www.4-art.org/products-virtuemart-component?page=shop.product_details&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=630). Those who're interested, please let me know so I'll send you a discount coupon.

Just a reminder about what's new in the 2nd edition:
- it's in two languages (in Russian and English, of course!)
- more drawings and sketches have been added
- the layout was updated to have bigger images, thus a bigger closeup
- over 200 color illustrations, 168 pages

Until soon,

B.G.

[hitnrun]

absolutely beautiful work you've got here! I love paintings and the classic sketches, fantastic!

[Book Guru]

hitnrun,

Thank you!

Here are more paintings and drawings that I think you might enjoy as well.
All made by a professor of drawing at the Russian Academy of Arts and a well-known draftsman, Nikolay Blokhin.
Images are taken from his most recent album (http://4-art.org/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=7&product_id=636), published in 2010.

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[Book Guru]

There are great news I'd like to share.

Our company is working on the new teaching aid, Fundamentals of Painting (http://4-art.org/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=6&product_id=684) (thus excuse my silence, was extremely busy because of this and other duties).

First it will be published in Russian language, then (of course!) we plan to translate it into English. The release is scheduled for the beginning of 2012.

For the book preview, please visit our library at 4-art.org/library (http://4-art.org/library).

It's written by a leading professor of the Russian Academy of Arts, Vladimir Mogilevtsev, the same author who produced our bestseller, Fundamentals of Drawing (http://4-art.org/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=6&product_id=657), and also responsible for a great album of best academic drawings Academic Drawings and Sketches (http://4-art.org/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=6&product_id=630).

The book provides step by step instructions on studying painting process as it's taught at the Russian Academy. There are 4 chapters:
- Head
- Head With Hands
- Figure
- Copying

100 pages, hard cover, the same size and high quality matte paper as in Fundamentals of Drawing.
Not to mention fabulous images and artwork samples supporting the teaching material.

To reserve your copy and to be eligible for a special discount you need to pre-order (without paying). Please send your request to editor@4-art.org or submit it via our website (http://4-art.org/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=6&product_id=684).

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[Hinthma]

cant wait for the English edition :)

[Book Guru]

There is a new article published in a popular art portal Practicum.org, which many of you already frequently visit and enjoy.

10 Steps For Learning How to Draw (http://www.practicum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=156:10-&catid=32:2010-01-11-14-59-13)

//yes, it's in Russian, but translation button is in the bottom left corner//

In short:

1. Sketch

2. Copy Old Masters

3. Draw from Memory

4. Study and Consult with the Nature

5. Read Professional Books

6. Look for a Mentor

7. Repeat Mistakes

8. Don't Draw From Photos

9. Take Breaks

10. Engage in Creative Work

Enjoy... :)

[Syle]

Is the translator workIng? Thanks fOr all the info guru. Wonderful academy you have there.

[Book Guru]

Oops! Sorry... :geekg:

Yes. It's there. But it's no longer in the bottom, it's in a more logical place - upper left.

Actually, I decided to make a screenshot to make it more clear. I've been posting links to this site for over a year, and some people will still be looking for that "translation" button in the bottom of the site.

Here it is:

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[Raptors]

Thanks for the great post. Love the Russian Academic work!

[Book Guru]

I wanted to let you know that we're about to send our next teaching aid to the printer.

The Fundamentals of Painting (http://vkontakte.ru/album-16966189_150673692) is a third book in the series "Fundamentals", produced by a leading professor of the Russian Academy of Arts, Vladimir Mogilevtsev.

- hardcover, matte paper
- 14x10 inches (34.5 x 24.5 cm)
- 100 pages
- hundreds of illustrations
- 3lb (1.5kg)

Today we can say that this publication will benefit the whole market of educational art books.
Mr. Mogilevtsev have spent over 3 years on creating this teaching aid, together with publishers, designers, and photographers. During several years he was making copies of the studying painting process, capturing each stage of work.

Color is a very difficult and almost impossible task for any publication, not to mention the importance of supplemental text, where the conversation about the color is impossible without first-rate tables. Meticulous storyboards and color correction, selection of fragments corresponding to the modern requirements of the school and its unshakable traditions - make the book unique.

With this tutorial you will have a full understanding of the basic requirements of the Academy and its methods, will get a professional step by step guide on how to start, maintain and finish work on a study of painting. And also - will learn how to make a copy of other masters' works.

This book is indispensable for those entering higher art education, by showing in a very brief, and most importantly - a pictorial form - how to make it right.

Last year, Professor V.Mogilevtsev was awarded with Silver and Gold Medals for his teaching achievements and for his previous publications, Fundamentals of Drawing (http://4-art.org/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=6&product_id=637) and Academic Drawings & Sketches (http://4-art.org/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&category_id=6&product_id=630).

We hope this publication will become another important contribution to art education as a whole and to studying academic painting in particular.

You can see the preview of this book here (http://issuu.com/4-art.org/docs/fundamentals_painting), here (http://4-art.org/library), and here (http://vkontakte.ru/album-16966189_150673692).

First, the book will be published in Russian, then we plan to translate it into English.

[Book Guru]

Attention: STOLEN WORKS !!

To many of you who've been fans of Nikolay Blokhin art, there are unpleasant news.
He just came back from his personal exhibition and master class in Ekaterinburg, Russia and discovered several of his works have been stolen.

They're mostly the works that he's done for himself, they were not commissioned. He cherished these works, kept them in his workshop and only provided them for his personal exhibitions.

Besides these works I decided to post several others that have been stolen in 2005 in France, in Charle de Gaulle Airport. They're in search by Interpol since then.

If any of you some day will see any of these works in person or see any traces of some prints or exhibition booklets about such works, please let us know immediately. Electronic version of all these works is available only in Nikolay's personal computer, thus no prints can be done from any of these without his permission.

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[Book Guru]

Today I'd like to introduce a Russian artist of the first half of the 19th century, Carl Brullov (also known as Karl Brullov).

He was considered one of the greatest European painters of his days.
Master of all kind of media: drawing, watercolor, oil painting, murals... Incredibly talented artist and academician.

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And of course, his most famous one,
The Last Day of Pompeii (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Karl_Briullov,_The_Last_Day_of_Pompeii_(1827% E2%80%931833).jpg), 1827-1833 (click on link to see higher resolution).

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[Lawrence Humphrey]

bg, on March 2nd two new albums were uploaded to vkontakte, both of them showing historical and religious works. One has 51 artworks, the other 22. Some fabulous stuff.

Are these the diploma paintings/studies of students who are graduating from their final year at "repa"? My gosh they're good!!

Here's one:

http://vk.com/album-16966189_153860495

Here's the other:

http://vk.com/album-16966189_153857276

[Book Guru]

Lawrence,

No, it's not from "repa", it's from a private school of Glazunov (http://www.glazunov-academy.ru/) in Moscow. They're getting better each year. Just a year ago many have been laughing at their album. Now - no one dares to laugh. Strong drawings, paintings, I personally like their compositions.
As of today I might say this is the only school in Moscow that truly caries the academic traditions.

As of the latest Evaluation (January) at "repa" (for those who don't know, it's a slang for the Repin Institute in St.Petersburg) - there are plenty of albums as well:

- Easel Painting, 2nd year (http://vk.com/album-16966189_151824609)
- Eremeev Workshop (http://vk.com/album-16966189_151820424) (Easel Painting)
- Sokolov Workshop (http://vk.com/album-16966189_151456828) (Easel Painting)
- Repin Workshop (http://vk.com/album-16966189_151382677) (Monumental Painting)
- Bystrov Workshop (http://vk.com/album-16966189_151380430) (Monumental Painting)
- Pesikov Workshop (http://vk.com/album-16966189_151315840) (Easel Painting)
- Workshop of Batal Painting (http://vk.com/album-16966189_151295310) (1st semester, 1st year)
- Mokrov Theater Workshop (http://vk.com/album-16966189_151254684)
- Graphics Faculty (http://vk.com/album-16966189_151174832) (1st semester, 1st year)
- Architecture Faculty (http://vk.com/album-16966189_150925025) (3-5 year, 1st semester)
- Architecture Faculty (http://vk.com/album-16966189_150869717) (1-2 year, 1st semester)
- Historical and Religious Painting (http://vk.com/album-16966189_150853656)

My favorite this time (A.F. Koftun, 4th year):

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[Hinthma]

Hi,

How is the English translation of 'Painting" coming along ? any availability dates?

[Book Guru]

Hi Hinthma,

This book has been sent to the printer only two weeks ago, but we're already in search for a good translator. No, not good - a perfect translator.

You can't imagine how difficult to translate these teaching aids.
A perfect translator should have the following qualities:
- excellent linguistics in both Russian and English;
- excellent knowledge of Russian art teaching traditions;
- knowledge of "some" Latin;
- to be able to edit his own text to make it look and sound really smooth.

Do you have one in mind? We don't...
This is the first teaching aid of such kind, this book has made us all crazy already (author, art director, designers, editors, print managers, etc...), it was a very tough project to produce. So it seems like we plan to continue this craziness and will continue searching for a perfect translator.

Sorry for a long answer but may be one of them will be reading this post someday. :)

[Lawrence Humphrey]

Thanks for your prompt reply bg.

A question: do you think all the work from the Glazunov Academy was done by the students or is a lot of it the work of the instructors? For example, those ones of the trees during the Spring floods--just too good!

[Book Guru]

Lawrence,

I've sent the same question to one of the guys who study there. I'll let you know his answer.
I usually recognize a "little help" by professors of our Academy in many students works (if not their hand but their strong influence), but I'm totally unfamiliar with the Glazunov school faculty.

Eddie50,

Yes, I feel guilty. We've been promising this paper version for over a year now. The only certain thing I can tell you is that both books (Fundamentals of Drawing and Fundamentals of Painting) are in our plans for being printed in English. But when - no one knows yet.

There is also an idea flying in the air to combine these two teaching aids in one book, only for its English edition. Though it's only an idea as the book might become too heavy (over 4lb), which might be a problem as many students place them on an easel... it can fall.

[cquinn]

Hi BG. I was looking through some of the new evaluation galleries you posted and had a question about the painting vs the drawing that is taught at repin. It seems perhaps different things are emphasized. I find the drawings really really strong with loads of depth, form, energy etc. Basically all the elements that I think goes into an exceptional drawing. However I look at a lot of the paintings and I feel like they are missing a lot of the above. I find this unfortunate as most of what I think makes a painting exceptional are those drawing elements that I mentioned. Just curious as to whats going on and why theres such a difference.

[Book Guru]

Hi cquinn,

Let me put it this way. Drawing is the strongest side of our Academy. As we all know, the drawing is the fundamentals of all the arts.

In any case, yes, the paintings differ each year. Please check the previous year Evaluations at Repin (the Repin thread on CA or in the same social group vk.com/Practicum) and let me assure you that you'll see some excellent works there.

There is also a thought that Moscow presents the best landscape painting school in Russia. At least, this was quite a common thought in the past. It's arguable but I personally like them all - St.Petersburg, Moscow, Ukranian, etc. They all are very different.

So the same goes for students. Each year there is a different group of people, they learn from each other as well.

As of me, I'd rather comment on quite poor compositions this year, not the paintings. But it's what I've been paying close attention to. Again, check the previous years evaluations, you'll see the difference.

[cquinn]

Thanks for the response. The reason I ask at all is that it seems to be at least somewhat consistent throughout the contemporary russian academy painting I ve seen. Obv theres exceptions and I m talking quite generally but its jut something fairly consistent that I ve noticed and thought that perhaps the goals that the students where looking to acheive with their painting was different from the drawing. Kind of hard to explain but I was hoping maybe I could gain some insight as to how things are taught. I m also quite interested and intrigued by your school solely because the drawing is so exceptional and its perhaps my favorite part of the creative process.

Thanks again.

[Book Guru]

cquinn,

Let me use this as an opportunity to invite us to the Academy Summer School (June or July) where you'll be able to "gain some insight as to how things are taught". The program will be taught by the same professor(s) who teach full-time students, so you'll be able to see it behind the curtains.

But seriously, trying not to be biased, I'd like to ask you to provide a link or some samples of what you consider a painting that "is missing" the drawing part and the ones that you like (samples from this century, please). Then it will be easier for me to either defend it or to admit that you're right. :)

Also, I don't want you to get confused about the following.
Students that enter the Academy have been studying art for quite a long time (art school, college, etc). So they go to the Academy not to "study" drawing or painting but to become masters, to develop their own technique, art manner, etc.
Besides that, they get a great influence from their professors - from the workshop they choose (or rather the workshop they've been allowed to enter). Usually it's quite easy to recognize students of all the workshops they belong to.
Finally, e.g. when you look at samples of monumental paintings it's quite hard to judge as they're huge (2x3 meters and bigger), thus not giving you a real feeling that you'd get if seeing them for real.

[cquinn]

BookGuru,

I d first like apologize if I came off as being critical about the schools paintings. Overall the work that is done is outstanding and there is definitely many strong artists that come out of that program.

I did take a second look at the albums your posted and yes the difference isnt as strong as I first thought. I think a lot of it could be that I m looking thumbnails of snap shots of the painting and photos just never do any piece of work justice.

I m looking through the Sokolov album and I think the difference between the drawing and painting is most obvious in this album. The drawings have quite pronounced shadows and a very sculptural feel however the paintings don t have such pronounced value differences and I feel they loose some of the sculptural feel. Its hard to explain what I mean esp as I m quite young to drawing/painting myself and I m trying to explain myself over the internets over a forum. I hope the examples in that album show what I m talking about.

Also I am interested in this summer program you are talking about. I don t speak russian so perhaps this is a problem but if it is not then you can pm me information and it will be appreciated.

Thanks again.

[Book Guru]

cquinn,

Sorry for delay, was busy with the Summer School preparations.

- yes, thumbnails is not something that is sufficient to judge the painting. But I do respect your opinion. I only wish you could visit Evaluations in person to have a better view of all different grades, levels, workshops and faculties. It is very different.

- Sokolov workshop is among my favorites; yes they're very strong at drawing but talking about their paintings... Again, remember that most Russian students entering the Academy have quite a rich art background. They often look for different techniques, they're trying various things, they experiment. They know how to make such a "sculptural feel", but they try to show it differently.
Here is the same thing: you have to see the works in real to be able to judge them objectively.
At the same time I can show you plenty of works from the latest Evaluation that I simply don't like at all. In one I don't like compositions, another is wrong with colors, etc... What's good about the albums you've seen at vk.com/practicum is that they photograph not the best works but pretty much everything they can take a picture of. Which gives you quite an objective view.

If you're interested in the Summer program, today we've uploaded all the most important info on the Summer School website (http://rai-summer.blogspot.com). Not knowing Russian is not a problem, an interpreter will be provided for both the international and Chinese groups.
I've just made a separate thread dedicated to this program (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=238871) on CA, you can check for news, updates, and to post your own questions there.

P.S. With all my willingness being as much objective as possible I'm the only one on CA who's related to the Academy. Thus I'd rather always defend it than doing otherwise. If not me, who else...? :)

[cquinn]

Hi Book Guru.

I am sorry if I came off as very critical of the school in the previous posts and its definitely a mistake in the language I used. You have nothing to defend about your school and overall I am very impressed by the work that the students do. My reason for inquiring though was that I do see a fairly marked difference between what the students are aiming for in the drawing and what they are doing in the painting and usually its not so much of a difference. I m more curious as to what it is that the professors are pushing the students to achieve with their painting because I am currently teaching myself how to draw/paint on my own and am always on the look out for interesting ideas of how to approach the picture making process especially from artists and schools that I respect.

I am seriously considering the summer program as I am quite interested in the full time program and its obviously a good idea to get a taste before committing to the full program. I do have some concerns though and I will post about it in the other thread. Even if I do not chose to do the summer program I think I may fly over to St Petersburg to see things in person and perhaps we can have a more thorough conversation :). Berlin isnt too far.

[Book Guru]

cquinn,

Now we're in "who's the nicest and the kindest" competition. :)

Please don't hesitate to write any comments. The problem is that in spite of my thorough theoretical knowledge of the Academy studying system and my personal love to drawing media, I've never studied either drawing or painting there. So I can't share my own experience and nuances comparing to those who've had practical studies there.
However, I have plenty of people around to ask. But the problem is that some questions will require a couple of hours lecture on a subject, preferably with pictures. Which I can't do by the reason of a total lack of time (when I'm in luck I sleep 6 hours, but usually it's much less... and I wouldn't call it a bohemian life... :) )

Of course, as being in charge for the Summer School program, it's my job to advertise it, but I'll just repeat as many other students were saying for many years, - this is a great chance to get familiar with the Academy, with its real professors, to follow the original system, to study in original workshops... etc.

Besides, one very important aspect that I'll be heavily advertising as well:
The summer program will give you a great chance to prepare an excellent portfolio for entering any art school in the world. That's why I consider this as a perfect investment in your further education and career.

Finally, because the program runs until 3pm, you'll have plenty of time to do plain air. You'll be in absolutely beautiful surroundings... just across the Academy is an embankment with a famous pair of Sphinx - it's always a favorite spot by many young artists - among many other places just within one mile from the Academy.

[cquinn]

Hi Book Guru,

I wouldnt call it a nicest and kindest competition lol. I just felt I was being unclear with my questions and wanted for you to know I wasnt looking to critique the program but to just understand what the goals of the students are in the paintings. This way I can perhaps learn and apply it in my own practice.

No need to sell me on the summer program. If your professors allow me to attend I ll start booking the flight right now :). I m very much intrigued by the academy and this is a obvious opportunity to get to see what it is that is taught and find out if I m willing to commit to getting into and completing the full time program. Berlin is also quite close so its not a huge hassle to get to St. Petersburg. I just have a few concerns about the application process and I am going to list them out and ask you about them asap.

I appreciate your time and effort here.

[Book Guru]

cquinn,

Once again, thank you for all your questions!
We've just posted a new web page, "Questions and Answers (http://rai-summer.blogspot.com/p/faq.html)", which reviews the questions being asked lately by both Russian and international students.

Please feel free to send me your further questions via e-mail or post them in the Summer School thread (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=238871) or on its website (http://rai-summer.blogspot.com).

~~~

As a tradition, I recommend new articles posted on the Practicum.org art portal.
This time it's on "The Four Laws of Composition (http://practicum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161:2012-02-13-21-14-41&catid=32:2010-01-11-14-59-13)".
Again, I have to remind that all the articles are in Russian but there is a translation button in the top left.

[cquinn]

Yes I saw thank you.

Just need to get a few projects done for the portfolio and you ll see my application asap.

[Book Guru]

Summer School update.

The news from the Academy International Department:

June program - deadline for portfolio and passport = April 16.
July program - deadline for portfolio and passport = May 10.

[Book Guru]

Repin vs Serov

Well... actually, not really "versus" but mostly for the sake of art comparison and enjoyment.

Here is a short story about these amazing two portraits.
Valentin Serov was one of very gifted students of Ilya Repin. In 1889 they both have been working simaltenously on the portrait of Sofia Dragomirova, a daughter of a well known at that time general Dragomirov. She was only 18 years old...

Here is the result of that work. The first one is by Repin, the second one by Serov:

1477782 1477783

10 years later, when Sofia was already a married woman Serov has created yet another portrait of her, now being known as Portrait of Sofia Lukomskaya:

1477785

I personally find this being an absolutely unique example of a portrait of the same person created by most famous Russian artists simultaneously at the same workshop. I don't know any precedent of such kind in the past.