Our culture today places a high value on self-expression. But a lot can be learned from copying, when it’s done correctly and for the right reasons!
Chinese Brush Painting, which dates back to 4000 BC, is a great example of copying done right. In contrast to how most of us are taught in art today, copying and the perfection of technique were more important and more highly valued to the Chinese than self-expression.
Specific techniques were handed down from master to student, and it often took many years before a student was “ready” to insert their own creativity into their painting.
While this may sound harsh, there can be many advantages to such a disciplined form of learning. The close study of one’s subject, working with mindfulness, and the exercise of simplicity were just a few of the benefits.
A lot can be learned from the principles of Chinese Brush Painting and applied to how we teach today. But the important thing for kids to remember when “copying to learn” is not to claim this work as their own. Many of the “Old Masters” (European painters from the Renaissance to 1800) learned by copying, and would often sign their work “after Rembrandt” or “after (insert copied artist here)” to be sure to give credit where credit is due.
Want to try some Chinese Brush Painting with your students? All you need is some white construction paper and an inexpensive paint set. Check out this fun lesson on my blog for step-by-step directions and helpful tips!
an inspiring quote:
“Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself, and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others.” ~ Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso’s own style of art changed many times throughout his life, perhaps more than any other great artist of his time. It’s impressive how he never became so attached to his success that he was afraid to risk failure by trying something new.
Copying, when done appropriately, can be a great way to learn. But just as students shouldn’t claim copied work as their own, we should also warn them of the danger of copying themselves. If students land on a winning formula and just continue to copy their own success, they run the risk of ceasing to grow as artists.