That concludes our class for today. I want you all to review my feedback and practice in your own time.

Now's my chance...

Mr. Yukihira, do you have a moment?

What is it?

Um, I've been working on a piece in my spare time for practice, but I'm encountering some difficulty...

If you don't mind, could you please have a look?

Yes, let's see it.

Thank you...!

Here it is...
I'm trying to improve how I depict water, so I decided to draw a girl swimming.

It's a sketch...?

Yes. I did consider watercolor, but I wanted to focus on the texture of the water.

...

...
May I ask you a few questions?

Th-That's fine...

What is the temperature of the water in this picture?

Huh? Its...temperature?

Um... It's not cold. I think it's a little warm to the touch...

Very well. And in what direction is it flowing?

Flowing... Actually, rather than flowing, I think it's just sort of wavering in place...

Do you mean to say that this is a body of water with no obvious current, such as a lake or spring?

Oh, yes. I think so.

I see. You said that you took on this piece as a way of working on your depiction of water, no?

Yes, that's correct.

Well then, let me begin from that perspective. This piece does not provide enough information for the imagination.

Do you mean about things like the temperature and current?

Yes. Texture is, of course, an important aspect of a piece. However...

A crucial part of refining your technique is how you visually convey to the viewer that which, usually, can only be understood by direct contact.

Oh...

(I guess I neglected that aspect by fixating too much on the texture of the water...)

With that said, even if you had succeeded in that regard, I would not think this a good piece.

In the end, this is merely “a sketch of a person swimming”. In itself, it has no meaning or value.

Huh? What do you mean by that?

Value I can understand, but surely this had some meaning as a practice piece?

The question of “how” one creates art begins with “what” one wishes to express with it.

When the artist knows what they want to express, and then accomplishes this with rich use of composition and techniques that are appropriate or perhaps even innovative...

That is what I believe to be good art.

...

If you reattempt this exercise, I look forward to seeing your own original work. Not a reproduction.

*Sigh*
It was a bust, just like I thought.

(I wanted to practice drawing water since I thought that would suit Kanade's new demo...)

(But he told me to decide what I want to express, instead of just practicing my technique.)

(It's true I was just thinking about practicing drawing water, so I didn't really think much about the theme.)

(Mr. Yukihira's right that what you want to express has an impact on how you depict it.)

But, what do I want to express...?

Hmm... Maybe I could go to an aquarium or something and see if the animals spark any ideas...

When I get home, I'll look online and see if anywhere looks interesting.

Hm? What's that poster for?

A “Flower Viewing Goldfish Exhibit”...?

Interesting... It says they're displaying cherry blossoms and goldfish with a flower viewing theme. And the venue... Oh, it's the mall I always go to.

Based off the photos, it looks really nice. I bet I can find something good to draw there!

Alright, I'll set some time aside to go check it out.