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Acknowledgments
We thank Sherry Kendrick for her advice, for use of her paintings in the first chapter, and especially for her help in doing calligraphy.
Thanks to the Barbara Bauer Literary Agency for all their help.
Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd., with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, Vermont 05759 U.S.A. and 61 Tai Seng Avenue #02-12 Singapore 534167
Copyright © 2009 Caroline Self and Susan Self
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Self, Caroline, 1919-
The art of Chinese brush painting : ink, paper, inspiration / Caroline Self and Susan Self.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN: 978-1-4629-0581-2 (ebook)
1. Ink painting, Chinese--Technique. I. Self, Susan, 1949- II. Title.
ND2068.S44 2009 751.4’251--dc22
2008053310
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Dedication
This book is dedicated to people who want to try something new and keep something old alive.
Contents
Setting Up 22
Painting Orchid 106
Painting Popular Zodiac Animals 131
Sources for Oriental Art Supplies 175
Books on China and Ink Painting 176
Introduction
This book introduces you to the art of painting with ink on rice paper using traditional Chinese techniques developed over a thousand years ago. Unlike many other books on Chinese painting available, this book does not teach the use of colored inks, watercolor techniques, or styles of composition influenced by Western traditions. The “colors” here are painted with shades of gray made by diluting the ink, just as black-and-white photography composes with light and darkness.
You will learn to paint the classic subjects that inspired the ancient painters: towering landscapes; the elegant Four Gentlemen: bamboo, orchid, plum blossom, and chrysanthemum; the rugged, steadfast pine; and five fun animals from the Chinese Zodiac: rat, rabbit, rooster, horse, and dragon. Numerous exercises help you to master the brush before you start painting a subject. Since many painters were master calligraphers, you will also learn to paint the basic strokes used in calligraphy to acquire the expressiveness of line that makes a painting energized and eye-catching. The survey of how calligraphy developed over time will teach you to recognize and appreciate
