Chinese Brush Painting

Murray Avenue SchoolArt Appreciation

Spring 2014

Chinese Brush Painting dates back to 4000 B.C.

History of Brush Painting

Calligraphy

Landscape Painting

Bird and Flower Painting

Ink and Wash Painting

Brush Painting is defined by different styles, techniques, and genres.

Ancient Chinese philosophies show reverence and love for nature.

The art symbolizes the beauty and harmonious balance of the universe.

1. The artist’s state of mind is mirrored in each brush stroke

2. Good brush technique is essential and must capture the “life energy” of the subject

3. The artist must study his/her subject and avoid unnecessary brush strokes

4. Colors used do not need to be the same as the subject but must enhance it instead

The Six Principles of Brush Painting

5. Composition of the artist’s picture is 1/3 form and 2/3 space. In Chinese painting, the empty space is as important as what is painted.

6. Study and copy the work of the “masters.”

The Six Principles, continued…

The “Four Treasures” of Brush Painting

The Brushes:

Made of bamboo

and animal hairs

The “Four Treasures”

Brush technique is very important. The strokes give the painting rhythm and beauty.

Ink: traditionally made from pine soot and glue and formed into a stick.

Ink Stone: used to turn the ink stick into liquid by grinding it on the stone

Paper: made from a mixture of fibers such as hemp, mulberry, bark, bamboo and straw

The “Four Treasures,” Continued…

Examples of Chinese Brush Painting

The subject of brush painting was always nature: Bamboo, flowers, birds, fish, or landscape. If a human element was added, it would be simple and not dominate the scene.

Chinese Brush Painting uses simple strokes of a paint brush to capture a single object or an entire scene.

The “Chop” is the artist’s signature

Usually done in red ink

The Chop

Wang Yani – A Brush Painting Prodigy

Contemporary Chinese Ink Art

Brush Painting vs. Impressionism

Yong: Courage, Bravery or Forever