Literati painting reached its climax around second half of 11th century when painters were defiant against the vulgar and lifeless Imperial Academic Style. Intellect elites sought spiritual refuge in poetry, tea, music, calligraphy and painting. The genre of flower bird has hence undergone the most brilliant evolution until now. Xie-Yi literally means which emphasizes virtuoso brush control through calligraphic skills. This course suggests the importance of studying and observing nature through demonstration by the tutor. Starting from basic brush skills, we only require minimum material to capture the inner spirit of all subject matters. The result is about spontaneity, brave brush movement expressing suggestion, imagination and condensed reality rather than superficial photorealistic resemblance. Through this series of adventure, we may finally reach full integration between ourselves and the subject matters in every painting.
- Basic calligraphic skills
- Red persimmons
- Lotus and dragonfly
- Maple and Cicada
- Catfish
- Goldfish in glass bowl
- Shrimps
- Chrysanthemum and crabs
- Frogs in pond
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Learn brush and ink control in Xie Yi style and the usage of Chinese pigments
- Draw plants with petty creatures and insects
- Discover the usage of 4 treasures in studio
- Explore spontaniety and minimal techniques of water ink, brush and colour
- Learn inscription and stone seal usage
Students are not required to bring any materials for week one as the tutor will prepare all relevant materials, but are welcome to bring whatever materials (brush, paper and aquatic based pigments) they already have for the course. The tutor will then show what can be used/modified in order to suit. Further advice will be given about where to buy more materials if they are needed during this session.
- Chinese ink, brush
- Xuan paper and Chinese pigments
IMPORTANT: Please arrive to the first class with all the relevant materials. A lack of materials is not just a handicap to you but to the ability to teach. Materials cost is not included in a course fee. In the event of a course being cancelled WEA cannot be held responsible for the purchase of any course materials. We therefore suggest you purchase your materials closer to the time of the course commencing.
The following stockists below are examples of places you can buy art materials from:
- Art on King: 199-201 King Street, Newtown. Ph: 9516 2342
- Eckersley's Art and Craft Store: 93 York Street, Sydney. Ph: 9299 4151. Also located in various locations throughout Greater Sydney.
- Parkers Art Supplies: 3 Cambridge Street, The Rocks. Ph: 9247 9979
- The Art Scene: 914 Victoria Road, West Ryde. Ph: 9807 6900
- The Sydney Art Store: 11 Salisbury Street, Botany. Ph: 9699 2162
You can also purchase materials from places such as Dymocks, Officeworks, Spotlight, Lincraft or online art suppliers such as Art Shed Online.
