Chinese Brush Painting Course Outline

Outline:

Chinese brush painting and calligraphy dated back some 5000 years ago and involves bold and expressive strokes to portray the essence of a given subject. This course emphasizes the significant traditional and contemporary techniques and concepts of brush painting, as well as the aesthetic, philosophy and art history related to Chinese art and cultures.

Aims:

To provide an introduction to Chinese brush painting (CBP) to anyone from absolute beginners to those more experienced.

To provide technical instruction in the use and handling of the Chinese brush with a variety of mediums (ink and watercolour) and its interaction with a variety of papers.

To provide an understanding of traditional Chinese and Asian culture.

Learning Outcomes:

Students will:

Learn about the history, culture and philosophy behind CBP. Learn the basic calligraphy strokes and how these apply to CBP. Learn the technical handling of the Chinese brush with a variety of mediums to

produce a number of effects. Learn how to load the brush and paint with a variety of tones and colours. Practise to paint traditional subjects – the Four Gentlemen (orchid, bamboo,

chrysanthemum, plum blossom), and various flora and fauna.

Duration:

TBC

About the Sessions:

Each session can be divided into four main parts:

Appreciation and Understanding – discovering art history and culture, and the artistic traditions through powerpoint presentations

Presentation & Practising – Demonstrating aspects of CBP and practising the various components of a composition.

Putting it all together – Creating your own composition. Gallery – Artistic appreciation of each other’s art work.

Equipment needed:

Basic equipment includes Chinese brushes (medium goat hair, fine detail wolf hair), Chinese ink, watercolours, paper, mixing palette.