In contrast to Chapman and others who taught drawing through copying, Mary Ann Dwight joined those who opposed it. Dwight believed copying resulted in superficial skills and a lack of necessary understanding of artistic principles. She emphasized the importance of thoroughly teaching the basics of drawing. Scientific principles discovered in nature, according to Dwight, would expand, ennoble, and elevate mental capacity. The possibility for economic advancement and mental refinement through drawing motivated Dwight as she recommended all teachers know how to teach drawing. What do you think? To copy or not to copy?
Artist John Gadsby Chapman lived during the 1800’s. He acquired his artistic skills by copying old master paintings in Rome and Florence as well as attending the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Chapman’s American Drawing-Book instructed through methods of copying. Republished numerous times, his book listed motives for learning to draw: to make recognizable forms and understand visual images; for pleasure, but also as a practical endeavor; to improve American goods and compete with European manufacturers; to avoid error; to provide a means of support for dependent females and educating children; to support national good taste and art; and to assist schoolgirls in selecting needlework subjects.
In contrast to Chapman and others who taught drawing through copying, Mary Ann Dwight joined those who opposed it. Dwight believed copying resulted in superficial skills and a lack of necessary understanding of artistic principles. She emphasized the importance of thoroughly teaching the basics of drawing. Scientific principles discovered in nature, according to Dwight, would expand, ennoble, and elevate mental capacity. The possibility for economic advancement and mental refinement through drawing motivated Dwight as she recommended all teachers know how to teach drawing. What do you think? To copy or not to copy?
5 Comments
6/12/2012 12:00:54 pm
I thinking copying is okay as long as it isn't overused. I think many of us learned to copy other people's work or learned how to the draw the figure or animals from those "Learn to Draw" books. I think copying can be a good way to learn technique. It's a tool to help students learn about form and negative space in drawing. Should it be the only thing kids learn in art? Absolutely not. :)
Reply
Laurie
6/12/2012 03:55:21 pm
I agree with you, Hilary! But I do see copying as a way to boost confidence. So much of drawing is hand-eye coordination and desire. Starting kids off with simple but fun activities like blind contour drawing and even drawing upside down are positive techniques of "copying" and observational techniques. But too much of anything can be a bad thing--even milk!
Reply
Glenn Morrison
6/14/2012 02:50:47 am
I never had any drawing or drafting classes, but I spent a LOT of time copying superhero figures from comic books.For some reason, this was much less frustrating than using methods I found in art books. Now I'm an engineer with a reasonable eye (if not hand) for what works in drawings. So I agree, Laurie: copying helped with confidence, even if I didn't extend my drawing education further than spiderman!
Reply
Laurie Myers
6/15/2012 04:08:48 am
That's great, Glenn! I'd like to see some of those drawings! Do you think your pleasure of copying superheros helped developed your eye for what works in drawings?
Reply
Joey
6/18/2012 07:45:48 am
My first drawing book was a stick figure drawing book, it taught you to make a flip book using stick figures that you copied and then stacked on top. As I gained confidence it allowed you to add stuff like clothing. You have to start somewhere. Copying is like those easy reader books they give K-Kids to begin learning to read. You can't start with a novel.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Laurie Myers
I believe everyone can learn to draw! Through this blog, I will be presenting my research of comparing methods for teaching drawing throughout history. ArchivesCategories
All
|