The Art of Teaching and Learning: Why Manga Drawing Can Be Both Frowned Upon and Embraced

Have you ever wondered why art teachers might discourage students from drawing in a manga style? At the same time, many students end up with cartoonish art styles where proportions are often off, even when starting to learn manga drawing. This article delves into the reasons behind these seemingly contradictory behaviors and how a solid foundation in realistic proportions can eventually pave the way for a more comfortable and expressive art style.

Understanding the Art Teacher's Objectives

Art teachers often strive to provide their students with a comprehensive understanding of various art styles and techniques. One of the primary reasons they encourage the study of realism is to ensure that students grasp the fundamentals of art. By teaching students to observe and understand real-world proportions and perspectives, they lay a strong foundation for more advanced and expressive art styles, including manga and anime.

Realism is a critical starting point because it helps students develop their observational skills, hand-eye coordination, and an understanding of basic anatomy and composition. This foundation is crucial for mastering any art style, including the intricate and stylized features of manga. Understanding the underlying principles of realism enables students to effectively exaggerate and stylize elements while maintaining a solid grasp of proportion and balance.

Balance in Technique: The Role of Realism in Manga Art

Observing the work of professional manga artists, you may notice that even the most exaggerated and stylized characters often have a basis in realistic proportions. The eyes, for example, are generally positioned closer to the top of the head, while the ears are often placed near the jawline. Even when these features are exaggerated, the foundation in realistic proportions remains evident.

By learning to draw with realistic proportions, students can more effectively apply techniques that exaggerate and stylize certain features. This balance allows for more natural and believable character designs, even when the overall style is highly cartoonish. The experience of drawing realistically enhances a student's ability to convey emotion, personality, and expressiveness through their characters.

Perspectives from the Classroom

It is important to remember that when an art teacher discourages manga-style drawing, it is often because the current lesson is focused on a specific technique or principle. The teacher might believe that the student is not ready for or suitable for manga-style drawing at that moment. This does not necessarily mean that manga drawing is irrelevant or that the teacher has outdated views on art. It simply reflects a structured approach to teaching.

Also, many art teachers may be more familiar with traditional styles or have a preference for certain techniques. This does not diminish the value of manga art but rather highlights the diversity of approaches that can be beneficial for different students and projects. Teachers who have an interest in manga and anime might still incorporate these styles into their curriculum, emphasizing the importance of mastering the fundamentals first.

Embracing Manga with a Solid Foundation

While it is essential to establish a solid foundation in realism, embracing manga or comic art styles ultimately depends on the student's interest and comfort level. A strong understanding of proportions and anatomy can significantly enhance the quality and believability of manga characters. As students become more proficient, they can experiment with stylization and exaggeration, knowing that they have a solid foundation to build upon.

Many students who start with realistic proportions eventually transition to more cartoonish styles, including manga. This shift allows for greater freedom and expression in their art, as they can confidently exaggerate features and create dynamic and engaging characters. By mastering the balance between realism and stylization, students can develop a versatile and expressive skill set that encompasses a range of art styles.

Conclusion

The relationship between art teachers and manga-style drawing can be complex and multifaceted. While some teachers may discourage manga drawing due to the need for a solid foundation in realism, others might incorporate it into their curriculum. The key is finding the right balance and understanding the value of both realism and stylization in the learning process.

By embracing a structured approach to art education and recognizing the importance of a strong foundation, students can develop a versatile skill set that allows them to excel in any art style they choose, including manga and anime. Whether you are studying manga or another art style, mastering the basics is the first step towards greater creativity and expression.