Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (PST)
Live via Zoom | Intermediate to Advanced Level
Welcome to a springtime celebration of resilience and elegance! In this special class, Victoria will guide you through a boneless-style gongbi rose painting inspired by the radiant work of Master Tian Shiguang (田世光). Known for his poetic yet realistic flower compositions, Tian’s rose painting combines delicate color transitions and expressive brushwork—without relying on outlines.
This session continues our exploration of boneless (没骨) gongbi technique, where color defines form. We will focus on capturing the weight and transparency of rose petals using layered washes and careful blending. You’ll also learn how to render vibrant rosebuds and lush foliage with depth and variation, all in harmony with the principles of Chinese painting aesthetics.
As part of this session, Victoria will also teach how to inscribe the poetic title “又现玫瑰” (Roses, Once Again) in beautiful Chinese calligraphy—a lyrical phrase that echoes memory, renewal, and the return of beauty.
This class is especially suited for students who:
• Enjoy blending Western realism with Chinese expressive brushwork
• Want to deepen their understanding of the “color-before-line” method
• Are inspired by seasonal themes and master references
Victoria will provide a high-resolution reference image, suggested color palette, and composition plan. A comprehensive class handout will be provided by the weekend before the class, with step-by-step coloring guides. Participants are encouraged to bring their own artistic voice and questions to the session.
Materials Needed: Gongbi brushes, palette (including carmine, gamboge, indigo, umber, and white), alum-sized Xuan paper, and a soft touch!
The full list below:
• Gongbi detail brushes (BHA Basic 3 brushes, BHA Gongbi Liner)
• Chinese or Japanese sumi ink and Colors: Carmine, Gamboge, Indigo, Umber, Chinese White
• Palette dishes or ceramic mixing wells
• Alum-sized Xuan paper (e.g., cicada-wing sized Xuan paper)
• Testing paper (same as the painting paper)
• Water container, absorbent towel, and paperweights
Bonus Insight: Chinese boneless watercolor differs from Western methods by using translucent cicada-wing Xuan paper. Place your line drawing under the paper—no need for pencil or ink on the surface.
Class includes reference image, baimiao outline, and color guide.
Let’s paint together and honor both the classical spirit and fresh expression of Chinese brush painting.
