Method for Learning

To achieve this, one must first lightly sketch the entire figure, but not rigidly adhere to the initial lines on the paper; if nature shows us any small change, we should mark it on the drawing and follow it meticulously, without trying to add or omit anything.

Some Masters think that one must correct what seems defective in nature when drawing from a model; however, this principle can be harmful for beginners, as trying to improve upon nature before fully understanding it runs the risk of becoming stylized—rendering things in an unvaried way and representing them not as they truly are, but rather based on preconceived ideas. We observe daily that those who become set in this way early on cease to progress in drawing, because their mind, always marked by the same impressions, can no longer be inspired with new ideas. Nature, though full of variety, may present things in new forms, but they can no longer perceive the difference, and as a result cannot acquire new knowledge. Therefore, one must always imitate the model with the utmost precision, not only in contours but also in the tone of color. For example, when the hand is resting on another part of the body, like the stomach, it is much more colored than the background it is placed on, and it is this color difference that must be rendered in the drawing, just as it appears in nature. These things,

Translation Notes:

- "Se manierer" is translated as "becoming stylized," meaning developing a habitual way of drawing that lacks originality.

- The concept of "drawing from a model" is essential for accuracy and learning from nature.