Immerse Yourself in the Poetic Spirit of Hollyhocks (蜀葵) through Gongbi Painting
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm PDT (3.5 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom (includes permanent access to class recording)
Join us for a rich artistic experience as we explore the elegance and symbolism of the hollyhock flower (蜀葵) through the refined techniques of Gongbi painting. Taught by acclaimed artist Victoria Li, this workshop takes inspiration from the Tang dynasty poem 《蜀葵花歌》 (Song of the Hollyhock) by Cen Shen (岑参), where the daily blooming of hollyhocks becomes a metaphor for fleeting beauty and the importance of cherishing each moment.
Hollyhocks are known for their stately height and vibrant, sequential blossoms. In traditional Chinese culture, they often symbolize perseverance, summer vitality, and the bittersweet passage of time. Their upright growth and layered petals make them a perfect subject for detailed Gongbi brushwork.
Gongbi painting, with its precision, layering, and line control, is the ideal technique to portray these elegant flowers. In this workshop, you will learn how to express the hollyhock's poise and beauty while reflecting on its poetic and cultural significance. The reference sample for this class is a hollyhock painting by master Tian Shiguang (1916–1999), featured in The Gongbi Flower Paintings by Three Masters, available as a downloadable eBook from Blue Heron Arts: https://www.blueheronarts.com/The-Gongbi-Flower-Paintings-eBook-downloadable-PDF--p-11680.html
Workshop Highlights:
Intro to Gongbi Technique: Learn the foundational principles of Gongbi painting with a focus on accuracy and elegance.
Symbolism of Hollyhocks: Explore the cultural and poetic associations of hollyhocks in classical Chinese art.
Detailed Outlining and Color Layering: Practice contour drawing, boneless leaf rendering, and multi-layer washes for depth and luminosity.
Poetic Inscription: Optionally incorporate excerpts from Cen Shen’s 《蜀葵花歌》 (Song of Hollyhocks) )as inscription or inspiration.
Interactive Guidance: Receive expert feedback from Victoria to refine your technique.
This workshop is open to all levels, from beginning enthusiasts to seasoned painters looking to deepen their mastery of traditional forms.
Supplies List (not included in class fee):
Supplies List (Costs not included in the class fee. Please click on the links to order):
- None-absorbent Sized Xuan Paper: For this workshop, you will need 2 pieces of 13.5" x 9" sized Xuan paper. Cicada-wing-sized Xuan is highly recommended for sharper lines: Cicada-wing-sized Xuan Paper
- Brushes:
- Color and Ink:
- LED Lightbox (Optional): A4 size for tracing
Detailed class handouts will be emailed to all registrants prior to the workshop.
Reserve your spot today and let the timeless elegance of hollyhocks inspire your brush!
