Welcome to the Summer of Creativity and Tradition: Whether you prefer to join us in person at the Joslyn Center, Alhambra, CA, or engage with us online through Zoom and YouTube, this course offers an enriching experience into the art of Chinese brush painting.
Dates: Every Thursday from July 11 to Sept 19, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST.
Course Overview: This summer, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Chinese brush painting with a curriculum that seamlessly weaves together landscapes, flora, and fauna. Our journey through art will explore the delicate balance and intrinsic harmony between human life and the natural world, as portrayed through traditional and innovative brush techniques. Open to enthusiasts and artists of all levels, this course invites you to explore the depth and breadth of Chinese brush painting, fostering both technical skill and creative expression.
Chinese Painting Course Syllabus*:
1. Flowers and Birds: Introduction to Materials
- Materials Overview: discuss the different types of rice paper and brushes, how to hold the brush, how to load, and use the brush to make calligraphic strokes.
- Masterpiece Study: Explore Shu Ch'i Chang's Sunflowers.
2. Landscape: forest with deer.
3. Flowers and Birds: Qi Baishi and Zhang Zhenyin's Mandarin Ducks.
4. Landscape: Mi-dots, Jie-dots, and other tree leaf and moss dots in landscape painting.
5. Flowers and Birds: master Shu-ch'i Chang's Owls.
6. Landscape: Mountainous Village with Rice Paddy in Clouds and Mist
7. Flowers and Birds: Li Ye-wu's Lingnan style flowers and insects
8. Landscape: Yang Yuanwei's City Skyline / urban painting
9. The Four Gentlemen: Chrysanthemums with Scholar's Rocks
10. Figures: Nu-Wa, Chang-er and Mermaid to celebrate the Full-Moon Festival
11. Flower and Birds: Mother and Baby Birds
*The order and subject to change. Your suggestions are welcomed.
Online Learning Journey: Participants can join live via Zoom or take advantage of recorded sessions on YouTube to learn at their own pace. We encourage you to submit your artwork for personalized feedback, ensuring a nurturing and supportive learning environment, regardless of your physical location.
Registration: Select your preferred mode of participation (Zoom plus Recording or Recording only) and proceed to checkout. Given the limited availability of live session seats, we recommend opting for the recorded option if you cannot attend in person.
Further Information: We are here to assist with any questions, accommodate scheduling conflicts, or help with late registrations. Our aim is to support your journey into the realms of art, where tradition meets personal discovery and expression.
Unleash Your Creative Potential: Join us this spring for a course that promises not just to teach, but to inspire. Engage with the timeless traditions of Chinese brush painting and let your creativity flourish in an atmosphere of artistic exploration and cultural appreciation.
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:
If, after attending the first lesson, you decide that the class isn't the right fit for you, you may drop the class and receive a full refund in the form of store credit (no cash refunds). This policy is designed to provide you with the flexibility to explore the course with confidence and peace of mind.
Please note that no refunds will be issued once the second lesson starts. This policy ensures that students are committed to the course and helps maintain the integrity and structure of the class for the benefit of all participants.
