Chinese Brush Painting

Chinese Brush Painting dates back to 4000 BC, with techniques being handed down from master to student. In contrast to what most of us are taught about art today, copying and perfection of technique was more important and more highly valued than self-expression. Chinese Brush Painting uses simple strokes of a paint brush to capture a single object or an entire scene.

Show examples and share this background information before you start your painting....

The “Six Principles” form the framework for Chinese Brush Painting:
1. The artist’s state of mind is mirrored in each brushstroke.
2. Good brush technique is essential and must capture the “life energy” of the subject.
3. Study your subject and avoid unnecessary brush strokes.
4. Colors used do not have to be the same as the subject but should enhance it instead.
5. Composition = 1/3 form, 2/3 space. Strive for simplicity and avoid symmetry.
6. Study and copy the work of the masters.

The “Four Treasures” are the artists materials:
1. Brushes
2. Ink stick
3. Ink stone
4. Paper

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

Materials:

• 9x12 white construction paper
• #10 watercolor brush (or bamboo brush)
• Prang OVL8 watercolor set (or ink stone and ink stick)
• Red marker (fine point) and small circle or square template

Directions:
1. Begin with the bamboo. With your paper in the vertical position, use the side of your brush to paint 3 bamboo stems on the left side of your paper, working from bottom to top, leaving a space between each bamboo section. Stagger the height of the spaces - don’t line them up!

2. Add the nodes, darker and with a slight curve.

3. Add branches from the nodes with an upward stroke. (Add only two branches per node, alternating from the left to right sides of the nodes. Or, you may add “bunches” of branches... but you need to choose one style or the other, don't mix them both together!)

4. Add leaves (in sets of 2 or 3 leaves per branch) using a downward tapering stroke. Let them overlap!

5. Title your painting vertically.

6. Add your initials (this is called your "chop") at the bottom of your title (or just to the lower left of it) in red, using a circle or square template.

Chinese Brush Paintings by some of my 6th grade students.... they each chose a "fruit of the spirit" (Galations 5:22) as the title for their painting. They also added some tall grass and flowers in the front for a little color!

After students have completed their paintings, encourage them to discuss the differences between copying to perfect your technique vs. self-expression. Ask your students which method they prefer and why.... their answers may surprise you!