The Worst Type Of Art In The Art Community: TRACING ART

It appears that artists have developed a sudden fascination with tracing, leading to a new trend within the art community on platforms like TikTok. Now, artists are sharing videos where they ponder whether their art process could lead to backlash, depending on whether it falls under the "good" or "bad" type of tracing. Let's delve into this topic for a moment. I find it somewhat puzzling that this has become such a contentious issue, but it's important to assert that tracing is not tantamount to cheating. In fact, the realm of art doesn't really have definitive rules or strict guidelines, nor can it be strictly categorized as right or wrong. Within the art-making realm, there's no concept of cheating. Tracing is a valuable skill worth cultivating, especially for beginners. It's a considerable time-saver for projects and an effective tool for achieving specific visual effects. Nevertheless, a word of caution: while tracing is a useful tool, relying solely on it can hinder the development of your personal style and create a stiffness in your artwork. Don't neglect the practice of drawing and manual creation; this is where your unique style evolves. So, while tracing should be part of your toolkit, it should not be a crutch. It's worth contemplating whether one can truly be considered a master if their prowess solely relies on their tools. Now, let's dive into today's topic. Welcome back to my channel! Today, we're going to discuss the practice of tracing. I understand that opinions about tracing vary widely among artists. Some view it as an integral part of their artistic process and an essential skill, while others dismiss it as cheating. Let's explore this subject further.

First, let's define tracing. Tracing typically involves copying a drawing or pattern by drawing over it using a translucent sheet of paper. Although this method is often associated with traditional artists working on paper, digital artists have their own techniques. For instance, digital artists can place an image beneath their working layer, adjusting its opacity to serve as a reference while they draw. Traditional painters may enlarge printed images for transfer to canvas while maintaining the original proportions. Various tracing methods have proved beneficial, but some artists have used tracing to plagiarize others' work, passing it off as their own. This unethical practice has led to controversies and accusations within the art community.

Moving on to legitimate uses of tracing, there are several valid reasons why artists employ this technique. Beginners often use tracing to learn the basics of drawing and replicate images they admire. This practice helps them understand shapes, shading, and form. As artists progress, they may use tracing to quickly convey ideas during the sketching phase. Tracing can be especially useful when tackling challenging poses or perspectives. In industries like animation and gaming, artists may trace over existing models or drawings to make corrections, speed up workflows, and meet deadlines.

However, there are drawbacks to consider. Some artists solely rely on tracing, hindering their growth by not developing foundational skills. Tracing can result in stiff, lifeless drawings that lack the fluidity and energy found in freehand work. While some artists can integrate tracing seamlessly into their process, it doesn't work for everyone. Personally, I've experimented with tracing, but I've found that it diminishes the dynamic quality of my drawings. Instead, I focus on simplifying anatomy into basic shapes, allowing me to draw without tracing. For artists who opt to trace, I recommend combining it with a solid understanding of anatomy, gesture, and foundational drawing principles.

In conclusion, tracing can be a valuable tool in an artist's repertoire, but it should not replace the development of essential artistic skills. Aspiring artists should explore various techniques, including tracing, but not at the expense of learning to draw from scratch. When tracing is used responsibly and in tandem with foundational knowledge, it can contribute positively to an artist's growth. Remember, tracing can aid in learning but should never replace genuine effort and learning. That's all for today. If you enjoyed this video, please like and share it. If you're new here, consider subscribing for more art-related discussions. Until next time, take care!