Time: March 19, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm PST (3.5 hours) (12pm East, 4pm UK, 5pm Europe)
Title: 美人之花 - The Flower of Beauty
Class Description: Delve into the art of 工筆 (Gongbi) painting with Victoria Li in this special workshop featuring the Oriental Poppy flower, known in Chinese as 虞美人 (Yu the Beauty). Inspired by the legend of Consort Yu and the symbolism of loyalty unto death, we will explore the intricate techniques required to depict this iconic flower with grace and precision.
Drawing upon the rich tradition of Gongbi Flower Painting, we will take cues from the masterpieces of the past while infusing our own creativity into our works. HD copies of selected Gongbi painting samples by renowned artist Yu Zhizheng (俞致貞 1915-1995) showcasing the Oriental Poppy will be provided for reference from the Three Masters' Gongbi Flower Painting Book by Rong Baozhai Studio (a downloadable e-book is available here). These masterpieces will guide us as we delve into the depths of this elegant art form.
The poetic title we will inscribe in Chinese calligraphy for our masterpiece is 美人之花 - "The Flower of Beauty".
Our journey begins with a calligraphy practice session spanning four styles: Standard, Walking, Cursive, and Clerical. This foundational exercise will hone our brush control and refine our line quality, essential skills for the meticulous craft of Gongbi painting.
Throughout the painting session, we will unravel the secrets of Gongbi, mastering techniques such as dual-brush shading, precise ink outlining, and the art of color washing through methods such as separated washing, glazing, and highlighting. Additionally, we will provide various flower photographs for color variations, allowing for personalized interpretations and creative expression.
As we immerse ourselves in the creation of our Oriental Poppy masterpiece, Victoria Li will be on hand to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide constructive critiques. The Zoom class will be recorded, granting participants unlimited access to revisit and review the session at their leisure. Additionally, students are encouraged to submit their finished works for further critique and feedback.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned brush painter, this workshop welcomes all levels of experience. The skills acquired in Gongbi painting transcend artistic boundaries, providing a solid foundation for explorations in other styles. Moreover, the synergy between calligraphy and Gongbi painting enhances brush control and elevates artistic expression, enriching not only our understanding of traditional Chinese art but also our broader artistic endeavors.
Class Logistics: Join us on March 19, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm PST for this enriching workshop. The class will be conducted via Zoom and recorded for future reference. Register now to receive class handouts and the Zoom access code. All registrants will receive a link to download and review the class recording indefinitely, ensuring continued learning and inspiration.
Supplies List (The cost are not included in the class fee. Please click on the links to order.)
- None-absorbent Sized Xuan Paper: For each workshop, we will use 2 pieces of 13.5’’x 9" sized Xuan paper. Cicada-wing-sized-xuan is highly recommended for easy tracing and getting sharper lines: https://www.blueheronarts.com/cicada-wing-sized-xuan-paper-gongbi-painting-27x545-p-2497.html
- Brushes:
- Color and ink:
- LED Light box: A4 size (optional)
