Charles Bargue (1826-1883) created what is probably the most influential and famous series of drawing classes in history. The legendary coursework was created in collaboration with his teacher and mentor, Jean-Léon Gérôme. The book "Charles Bargue, Drawing Course" is probably the best investment a student or pro alike could make, right next to "Illusion of Life". The artwork contained within the book can only be described as stunning and awakening!! it will remind you of the rich history we artists must face if we have the slightest desire to contribute. we truly are tiny specks standing on the shoulder of Colossus! I especially like the ref. to greek art, it's amazing that this type of perfection and craftsmanship was accomplished thousands of years ago. furthermore, the bulk of the book is made up of line studies of figures, especially useful to an animator.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Charles Bargue...insane.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
i very much appreciate the tip patrick!
i want to draw like bargue.
i want to draw like bargue.
i want to draw like bargue.
good post pat smith, one mo sale on amazonia, dey should gives yo ass a cut.
Charles Bargue, that book definitely has incredible paintings and drawings. The precision to which the casts were rendered almost reminds you of computer models. My room-mate looked into the book as a possible way to learn how to draw. That drawing course though, really takes alot of determination, and I would even say 'courage' to follow. For doesn't it ask for exact precision of copies of renderings? At this age, it's hard to people take that much time follwing something like this to learn to draw, especially when they are not really sure whether there will be definite results.
I'm glad you mentioned this book and artist, Pat! We actually have that book here in Cicero, and it is quite an invaluable reference. What people seem to miss, however, is the relevance of the academic approach today. They deem it an impossible task that cannot be achieved like those masters obtained, which in obvious reality is not the case. Yes, it can take some people years to get to that kind of level, but the knowledge imprinted in the wake of that time spent learning this kind of drawing is priceless. Even for animators and cartoonist (much like how I was telling someone today how the classic, original Disney animators wern't schooled as animators...they were ARTISTS first, like this!). You won't learn true academic approach in mainstream universities though, but academic style is STILL taught today; too many young artists are pressured to attend accredited places nowadays however - missing out on a chance at a master studio school - and wonder why they don't achieve this level of artistic understanding. It's an unfortunate loss and trade-off for a seal of approval for the business world, in my opinion.
also, a side note for kevin: you're never truly sure what the outcome of a drawing will be like when you begin, but it shouldn't cast doubt on your ability. to think like that is to already be defeated. if you see no good past the difficult you cannot expect yourself to pass through that difficulty, which is what learning is all about. this is not a bad thing.
Post a Comment