Drawing

Some young artists, despite having great talent and making efforts, struggled to rid themselves of poor practices they learned from their teacher. We have examples of several young painters who, having started by copying paintings with trivial color use, continue to see everything they paint through that same 'colored glass,' which limits their understanding of color in their works. Hence, if a young artist begins by copying a poorly painted and colored artwork, it is as if they consume a poison, one that they will, in turn, infuse into all their future works. Therefore, it is appropriate to address the study of color here, giving students the freedom to deviate occasionally to protect themselves from the established order.

How to Characterize What One Draws

Drawing is not only about accurate outlines and proportion of parts, but also about imitating the character of the objects one wishes to represent. Attention must be paid since it is still an imperfect imitation of nature, as colors are missing. It is therefore necessary to make up for this deficiency with a spiritual expression of lines, which should vary depending on the diversity of objects seen in nature. The figure demands a particular motion of pencil or pen. Blanchart and de la Hire, while not exactly correct, were said to be 'Colorists'; and Bourdon, who also was part of this school, was sometimes a great Colorist. To become convinced, one only needs to see their paintings in the Church of Notre-Dame in Paris.

Translation Notes:
- "Colorist": An artist who emphasizes color in their work.
- "Trivial color use": refers to superficial or simplistic application of color without depth or variation.