How to draw an artistic mask
The first step is to outline the mask with soft lines. Pay attention to the shape and proportion of the mask, and refer to some photos or reference materials of the actual mask to ensure the accuracy of the contour.
The second step is to continue to outline the eyes and mouth of the mask with lines. The eyes of masks are usually larger than those of normal people, so they should be outlined with smooth lines to highlight their mystery. The mouth can choose a straight line or an arc, and choose the appropriate shape according to the emotion you want to express.
The third step is to fill the main area of the mask. Masks are generally white, and we can gently apply them with a pencil or drawing tool to make the whole mask appear white. In the process of filling, attention should be paid to leaving eyes and oral areas.
Step four, add details and shadow effects. By adding details, such as patterns or decorations on masks, works can be more vivid. At the same time, by deepening the shadow around the mask, the three-dimensional sense and layering can be increased.
Finally, the overall inspection and retouching. Check whether the painting meets expectations and whether it needs to be modified and polished. You can gently erase unnecessary lines or flaws with an eraser.
China mask culture:
Legend has it that masks in the west originated from hunting by the ancients, because people believed that prey also had souls at that time, and when the prey was dying, it would think of the hunter. After death, their resentment will invade the human soul, and hunters begin to wear masks to prevent their prey from remembering their looks.
The mask of our country originated from the wizard's day in primitive society. Fang Shixiang, the god who first appeared in history books, exorcised evil spirits. During the funeral solar term, the imperial court and the people held Nuo ceremonies, and the mask of the symbolic party was used by the people who held the ceremony at this time.
During the Han and Tang Dynasties, mask culture gradually changed from witchcraft to art and from divinity to humanity.
At that time, masks began to be used in folk operas, and the religious color weakened while the entertainment color gradually increased. The production materials have also developed from bronze and jade to lighter wood, bamboo and cloth.
During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, with the prosperity of secular culture.
The combination of Nuo opera and popular culture has formed a famous Nuo opera, and the masks used in Nuo opera have become the necessary costumes for Nuo opera actors, which has improved the elements of entertaining people rather than worshiping God.
After the Ming Dynasty, Nuo opera entered a mature stage.
Interact with the public by telling stories and role-playing. Among them, Nuo opera masks have the highest artistic value and are widely spread, and the production content is still closely related to religious beliefs and people's prayers.