Join us for an enriching journey into Chinese brush painting, whether you prefer to join us in person at the Joslyn Center, Alhambra, CA, or engage with us online through Zoom and recording video. We invite you to explore seasonal themes and intricate techniques that blend tradition with personal expression in the art of Chinese brush painting.
Dates and Time: Every Thursday from April 10 to March 19, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST.
Course Overview:
Discover the elegance of Chinese brush painting - from the poetic Four Gentlemen to classical landscapes, flowers, birds, and zodiac animals. Delve into artistic concepts and techniques that have stood the test of time. All skill levels are welcome to join.
Spring 2025 Chinese Brush Painting Class - Tentative 11-Session Schedule
- Easter Bunnies and Chicks - Express the joy of spring with lively rabbits and baby chicks using soft brush techniques.
- Peony, Bees, and Butterflies – Expressing prosperity with rich floral brushwork and lively flying butterflies.
- Cherry Blossom Trees in Spring Mist – Exploring color application and atmospheric depth in ink landscapes.
- Spring Orchid and Rock – A literati-style study in elegance and minimalism.
- Wild Horses Galloping Over Grassland – Depicting dynamic energy with dynamic brushwork.
- Mandarin Ducks on Lotus Pond – Symbolizing love and harmony with fluid ink washes.
- Ink Splash Landscape (Zhang Daqian Style) – Creating bold, spontaneous landscapes with splattered ink.
- Hovering Hummingbird with Wisteria – Capturing movement and floral delicacy with precision strokes.
- Dreamlike Ink Wash Mountains – Layering washes to achieve ethereal, floating landscapes.
- Monoprint & Ink Combinations – Experimenting with brushless special effects and textured brushwork.
- Insects and Flowers from Your Garden – Capturing movement and floral delicacy with precision strokes.
This schedule balances traditional subjects, expressive landscapes, and experimental techniques while maintaining harmony between flowers, birds, and literati themes.
Online Learning Journey:
For those unable to attend in person, we offer the option to join live sessions via Zoom or to view recorded sessions on YouTube at your convenience. Regardless of how you participate, you are encouraged to submit your artwork for personalized feedback. This flexible approach allows you to learn and grow, wherever you may be.
Registration:
Choose your preferred method of participation (Zoom + Recording, or Recording Only) when registering. Given the limited seats for live Zoom sessions, those who are unable to attend in real-time are encouraged to select the recorded option.
Chinese Brush Painting Supplies Checklist:
3-5 Chinese Painting Brushes: Begin with a basic set of a soft brush, a stiff brush, and a small detail brush. Explore a diverse selection here.
Sumi Ink: Opt for bottled liquid ink or ink cake for convenience. Traditionalists may prefer an inkstick and inkstone, available here.
Rice Paper: We recommend unsized or semi-sized Xuan rice paper for flowers and birds painting, and mulberry papers for landscape, available here.
Watercolor Paints: Marie's Chinese painting watercolors or traditional color chips can be found here. Artist quality watercolor or gouache is also suitable.
A Palette and Two White Ceramic Saucers: Essential for mixing and holding your paints.
2 Water Containers: For rinsing brushes and clean water.
Felt Pad: Opt for white or light-colored synthetic or wool felt pad. Available here.
Paper Towel or Hand Tissue: For blotting and drying brushes.
Brush Rest: Preserve your brushes and keep your workspace tidy. Find options here.
Paper Weights: Secure your rice paper in place while painting. A variety of options are available here.
Seal and Red Ink Paste (optional): Start with your initials and consider ordering a personalized Chinese name seal from me later.
Student Value Package:
For your convenience, a curated student value package with all essentials is available here.
Refund Policy:
After attending the first class, if you find the course isn't the right fit, you may withdraw and receive a full refund in store credit. No refunds will be issued after the second class, ensuring a commitment from all students to the learning process and maintaining course integrity.
Unleash Your Creative Potential:
Embrace the opportunity to dive deep into the tradition and artistry of Chinese brush painting this autumn. Let the season inspire your creativity as you engage with timeless techniques, cultural stories, and the beauty of nature through art.
