On Drawing

The text discusses the importance of patience and perseverance for teachers as their students learn to draw. Initial lessons are challenging for both teachers and students, but gradual practice leads to joy and satisfaction as students progress. Teachers must not tire of repeating fundamental instruction, which helps strengthen the young students’ memory and comprehension because their abilities can be tender and delicate. The brevity of explanations can greatly assist them, as mentioned by the phrase ‘brevity is a friend to memory’ in Latin.

Second Lesson

The second section emphasizes nurturing the natural enthusiasm in students while avoiding stifling or severe approaches that could discourage them. Emphasizing that forcing a student into art they find disagreeable should be avoided, it notes that reluctance creates aversion. Drawing should be enjoyable and part of a playful exercise; it’s important to encourage rather than overwhelm students. Progress should be taken step by step; teaching them to draw lines carefully encourages both accuracy and a love for learning. Demonstrating correct techniques in front of them can inspire them more effectively than any lecture.

The method recommended is to observe closely whether the lines drawn by students are correct, praising good work to motivate and gently correcting errors with patience until they draw with greater precision. This approach, which makes more use of visual demonstration rather than verbal lecturing, helps inspire students to practice drawing themselves and discuss whose work is closest to the original.

Translation Notes: The term ‘brevity is a friend to memory’ (Brevitas memoriae amica) is a phrase borrowed to signify that succinct explanations are beneficial in learning.