This set of Miss Shihui sketches takes linear language as the core to carry out continuous exploration of portrait painting. In terms of modeling, it abandons the tediousness of excessive realism, outlines the contours with simple yet precise lines, and captures the facial features and dynamics of the figure. It quite resembles the charm of “modeling with lines” in Serov's sketches, conveying the temperament of the figure with condensed lines. Different from the all - inclusive nature of classical full - factor sketches, it emphasizes the instantaneity of “quick sketch of form and spirit”.
The composition uses continuous single - frame juxtaposition to build a “dynamic long scroll” of the portrait, similar to Degas' series of sketches depicting ballerinas. Through repetition and variation, it records the expressions and postures of the figure at different moments, expanding a single portrait into a “temporal portrait narrative” —— from slightly closed eyes to slightly raised eyes, from the relaxation of falling hair to the implicitness of slight covering. Each sketch is an emotional slice, connecting the rich spiritual aspects of the figure. The color only relies on the gray scale of the pencil, shaping the light and shadow layers through the density of line - laying and the weight of lines. Light lines outline the contours, and dark gray line - laying shows the shadows, just like the “five shades of ink” in traditional Chinese line drawing. It explores space and volume with a single - color linear language, fully demonstrating the charm of “simplicity without dullness” in sketch.
In terms of brushwork, the lines are either smooth and gentle (such as hair strands and clothing patterns) or short and definite (such as the turning points of facial structures), with a writing - like rhythm. Just like the integration of the decorative and expressive nature of lines in Klimt's sketches, the “line” is not only a modeling tool but also a carrier of emotion. The content focuses on the multi - faceted portraits of “Miss Shihui”, and the theme anchors “the dynamic spiritual portrait of an individual”. The subtle changes in posture and gaze in each sketch tell the emotional flow of the figure at different moments, whether peaceful, contemplative, or implicit. The emotion is hidden in the breath of lines and the gradual change of gray scale, a contemporary response to the tradition of “capturing the moment of the soul” in portrait painting. In a serialized and linear writing way, it continues modernism's exploration of “individual diversity” and injects the vitality of dynamic narrative into portrait sketch.
Recommended Similar Works：
- Sketch Manuscript of Serov's Girl with Peaches: Captures the charm of the figure with simple and precise lines, sharing the creative idea of “modeling with lines and integrating form and spirit” with this work.
- Degas' Dancers series sketches: Records dynamic moments through serialized composition, consistent with the “temporal portrait narrative” logic of this painting, both exploring the multi - faceted nature of the figure.
- Klimt's sketch works: Builds images with expressive and decorative lines, corresponding to the writing - like lines of Miss Shihui, and appreciates the artistic tension of lines together.
