Recently, the Sixth Teaching Hall of Xiangtan Institute of Technology welcomed a unique visual feast—a joint exhibition of sketching works created by classes from three majors: Visual Communication, Environmental Design, and Animation Design, all under the School of Humanities and Arts. This exhibition unfolded like vibrant scrolls before the eyes of teachers and students, attracting numerous art enthusiasts to linger and admire.

In early October, nearly a hundred second-year students from the Art Department of the School of Humanities and Arts, led by teachers Yu Tingting, Du Qinglei, Liu Liangzhu, and Lan Bo, embarked on a 16-day sketching and field study journey. They visited places such as Qianyang Ancient City, Gao Yi Ancient Village, Xiangxi Liye, and Rebala. The sketching and field study activities were conducted using a project-based teaching approach, which, through interactions and discussions with teachers, fully stimulated the students' initiative and creativity. The students delved into ancient villages and cities, soaking in historical ambiance, capturing inspiration amidst natural landscapes, and enhancing their professional skills and aesthetic levels.

The exhibition in the Sixth Teaching Hall showcases the outstanding works created by teachers and students during their sketching and field studies, highlighting the unique ancient architecture and natural beauty of ethnic minority regions in western Hunan. It also demonstrates the unique charm of project-based teaching in artistic practice.

Notably, the art exhibition in the Sixth Teaching Hall—from spatial design and basic decoration to the final presentation—was all accomplished under the professional guidance of teachers like Yu Tingting, who led the students in completing the works.

**Drawing｜Ancient Architectural Styles**

*Qianyang Ancient City & Gao Yi Ancient Village*

Qianyang Ancient City—lush and elegant with the clear and deep Yuan River. This ancient city, with a history of over 2,200 years, is located in Huaihua City, Hunan Province. Its unique architectural style and historical heritage have made it a favorite subject for teachers and students. Cobblestone streets, whitewashed walls with black-tiled roofs, and winding alleys seem to tell the stories of the ancient city with every brushstroke. Gao Yi Ancient Village, nestled among mountains and waters like a grandmaster's chair, exudes a rustic and tranquil atmosphere that inspires the creative spirits of the teachers and students.

*Qianyang Ancient City｜Furong Tower*

During the sketching process, teachers and students were fully immersed in creating their works. They used various drawing tools and techniques to capture every detail, leaving lively lines on their sketchbooks. The leading instructors would sometimes answer composition questions while on the move and other times sit on the ground with the students to summarize and critique the works. Regardless of time and place, they were dedicated to swiftly and effectively resolving issues in the sketches, guiding everyone’s artistic direction.

"We captured the beauty of ancient architecture with our pens and felt the charm of western Hunan with our hearts. May this experience become a pearl in your memories, igniting your passion for life and inspiring your desire for art. May you always cherish your sensitivity and enthusiasm for beautiful things, enriching the colors of life with your wisdom," encouraged teacher Liu Liangzhu while reviewing the sketching works.

**Painting｜Beautiful Natural Scenery**

*Rebala & Biamian Mountain*

Rebala, meaning "a beautiful and lovely place" in the Tujia language, also left the footprints of teachers and students. The varying shades of ink wash blended seamlessly into the paintings, and the delicate brushwork captured the essence of the place. Here, they experienced the charm of the Tujia people's pristine culture, using their brushes to depict the local customs and landscapes.

Biamian Mountain, renowned for its magnificent natural scenery, showcased the wonders of nature on this vast "canvas." The expansive grasslands and rolling hills formed a rich natural landscape, allowing the artists to fully express their creativity.

*Rebala Royal Palace*

*Rebala Film and Television Building*

"During the sketching process, I deeply felt the fusion of art and nature. Every brushstroke and every splash of color was a unique interpretation of life. From the serene nature, I realized the true essence of creation—not just honing techniques but also a cleansing of the soul," said Tang Siwei, a student from Visual Communication Class 2301.

"Sketching in nature brings inner reflections," said teacher Du Qinglei, who deeply appreciates the beauty of nature. "Using the pen as a medium and the heart as a mirror, only through authentic sketching and field studies can we refine ourselves, explore the true essence of art amidst the interplay of nature and culture, and continuously produce the youthful energy and artistic charm that belong to Xiangtan Institute of Technology. I look forward to everyone creating more outstanding works in the future, persevering and striving forward to contribute to the inheritance and development of Chinese culture."

**Experience｜Cultural and Historical Heritage**

*Anjiang Agricultural School, Liye, Zhijiang*

"Rice stands shoulder to shoulder with sorghum; beneath the grains, one can find shade." On the next leg of their journey, teachers and students entered Anjiang Agricultural School—where Academician Yuan Longping worked hard and the renowned "origin of world hybrid rice" is located. Next to Academician Yuan Longping’s experimental fields, the students observed the color changes in the rice paddies, appreciating the artistic charm of light and shadow.

*Anjiang Agricultural School*

"To the north are the Xi'an Terracotta Warriors, to the south are the Liye Qin Bamboo Slips." As their brushes moved, the group arrived at the Liye Qin Slips Museum, where they closely examined the Liye Qin Bamboo Slips, which rival the oracle bones from Yinxu and the Dunhuang manuscripts in value.

*Liye Qin Slips Museum*

"After eight years of fiery battles, a surrender document fell on Zhijiang." Zhijiang is a historical witness to the victory of the War of Resistance against Japan. Every brick and tile there is engraved with the nation's glory and resilience. At places rich in historical heritage and cultural sentiment, such as the China People's War of Resistance Victory and Surrender Memorial Museum and Longjin Fengyu Bridge, teachers and students not only admired the majestic landscapes of China but also experienced the profoundness of Chinese culture, deeply feeling the great power of national spirit.

*Zhijiang Longjin Fengyu Bridge*

"These places carry a strong historical atmosphere, standing between the blue sky and the mountains, telling tales of extraordinary times. At Anjiang Agricultural School, I felt the fighting spirit of Academician Yuan Longping and the glorious achievements of hybrid rice; at the China People's War of Resistance Victory and Surrender Memorial Museum, through sketching buildings and landscapes, I felt the weight of history and the legacy of spirit," reflected Chen Rui, a student from Animation Class 2301, during the visit and sketching process.

*China People's War of Resistance Victory and Surrender Memorial Museum*

Years paint with ink, adorned with blossoms; time cycles, and a loyal heart remains steadfast. At the final exhibition site, a myriad of ink wash, sketch, watercolor, and black-and-white decorative paintings dazzled the eyes. These works not only showcased the artistic talents of teachers and students but also documented their insights and growth throughout the journey.

"Emotion is the soul of painting, and painting is the artistic expression of specific emotions. 'Reading thousands of books is not as useful as traveling thousands of miles.' Sketching and field studies with the purpose of learning are no less than a rich theoretical class. Every journey is a walking art classroom," said teacher Yu Tingting. She added that the school's project-based educational reform directly empowered the successful outcomes of this sketching trip. "This reform has given us great initiative and enthusiasm, and the support in all aspects of resources has been very strong! In the future, I will lead the students to carry out more in-depth explorations of project-based educational reforms, contributing our due effort to the cultivation of innovative talents for CFAP!"

The sketching and field study journey is an opportunity for the soul to resonate with nature. Huang Hongzhen, Dean of the School of Humanities and Arts, introduced that this trip to western Hunan was the third sketching and field study activity organized by the school. It fully demonstrated the effectiveness of project-based teaching in artistic practice. Moving forward, the School of Humanities and Arts will leverage its disciplinary strengths and educational realities to further promote project-based educational reforms, ensuring that the reform achievements better empower student growth and the high-quality development of the school's education and teaching.

**Selected Works by Instructors**

**Selected Works by Students**