Chinese Brush Painting Techniques

A second addition, also known as Ning Yeh's "Gold Edition" updates his original guide of step-by-step instructions for Chinese Brush Painting.

Over thousands of years, the art of Chinese paintings has been refined into an exquisitely developed system of visual representation. But until the publication of this volume, there was no single source that bridged the gap between the philosophical and imitative methods of instruction. Alison Stilwell Cameron, daughter of famed World War II General Joseph Stilwell, spent her early childhood and teenage years in China where she studied under two renowned Chinese artists — Yu Fei-am and Prince P'u Ju of the imperial family. Having achieved wide recognition for her mastery of Chinese painting, she distilled her knowledge in this book, providing step-by-step instruction for those with no art training at all. Starting with an explanation of the physical tools of the art, she describes the basic strokes and the creation of Chinese characters before moving on to demonstrate the use of these strokes to represent trees, flowers, rocks, boats, insects, birds, and other subjects. These elements are then combined to produce finished Chinese paintings, "the kind of pleasing and satisfying pictures that thousands of amateurs have been producing in China for centuries." Enhanced with hundreds of illustrations, including 36 in full color, this handsome volume also contains a chapter on the mounting process, a valuable bibliography, and an index. It is an invaluable guide to an art, which — once mastered — will not only delight viewing audiences but will bring satisfaction throughout the artist's lifetime.

Explains te principles of Chinese painting, demonstrates brush strokes, and shows how to paint flowers, plants, birds, and insects

"How-to" manual provides all levels of students with detailed methods for painting such simple subjects as bamboo and plum blossoms as well as more ambitious motifs. 150 illustrations, including 82 in full color.

The Art of Chinese Brush Painting is an excellent way for newcomers to experience this ancient Chinese art form. The book introduces traditional Chinese ink painting techniques developed over a thousand years ago. In 35 simple and intermediate lessons, readers will learn to paint towering landscapes; the elegant Four Generals: bamboo, orchid, plum blossom and chrysanthemum; rugged, steadfast pine; animals from the Chinese Zodiac; and basic strokes used in Chinese calligraphy. To better understand "the soft martial art," the book includes an introduction to the Chinese ink painting tradition and detailed discussion of brushes, paper and other tools and accessories. The lessons are instructive for artists at any level of expertise but are directed to the dedicated beginner.

Try your hands at these historically and culturally important methods, and create some beautiful paintings of your own. Chinese painting is an ancient art that has evolved and become refined over many centuries. Artists brush ink and color pigments onto silk or paper using a variety of techniques, with two main approaches: gongbi a traditional and realistic style based on line drawing, and xieyi style, a freehand method that uses fewer strokes to suggest objects in a less literal way. Painting themes generally fall into three categories: figure, landscaping, and bird-and-flower. Chinese brush painting is mainly presented in lines, shades and white space to express the feelings about nature, social phenomena, and the very essence of the universe. The framework for this expression is often traditional: certain subjects carry cultural connotations that are well-known and imbue the painting with a layer of meaning beyond face value of objects shown. The traditional subjects such as mandarin ducks, butterflies, and the 'Four Gentlemen' (plum blossoms, orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemum) are examples that contain this rich cultural meaning. Readers will learn first about the tools and materials, then painting techniques. Early pages explore the very basic painting methods and subjects—perfect for beginning painters—but continue to build skills for painting plants and animals of increasing complexity. Chinese Brush Painting illustrates several Chinese brush painting techniques with the use of different tools, brushwork and color mixing. With the step-by-step projects, you can first follow the introductory lessons to learn the necessary skills of brushwork, usage of paper, and characteristics of water, ink and colors; then follow the advanced lessons to learn the compositions and more complicated color applications.

Sungsook Setton learned ink painting techniques from Chinese and Korean masters in her native South Korea; now she brings them to you in The Spirit of the Brush. Chinese ink painting is one of the oldest continually practiced art forms in the world. First appearing in China in the fifth century, it soon traveled to Korea, and then to Japan. As old and deeply rooted in East Asian aesthetics and meditation as it is, ink painting is credited with influencing the development of modern Western art. Its minimalist approach to painting continues to have enormous appeal. Author, artist, and teacher, Sungsook Setton is now bringing her years of experience to you with The Spirit of the Brush. You will learn traditional disciplines for holding and using the brush, as well as how to turn these techniques into inner meditation which will help your own world; city views, music, and the essence of contemporary life.

The Way of the Brush: Painting Techniques of China and Japan examines the technique, style, traditions, and methods of Chinese ink painting and how they were interpreted in Japanese art. Illustrated with over 250 images and packed with instructions, The Way of the Brush covers every aspect of brush painting, from brushstrokes, composition and the painting surface to meaning, perspective and artistic philosophy. Part One is a study of the techniques of Chinese painting and explains the elements, techniques and principles which eventually carried over into Japanese painting. Part Two is devoted to technical challenges and basic problems associated with the art, including the issue of fakes and forgeries of Chinese art in Japan. Also included are three appendices and a full bibliography.