Asian Brush Painting: An Introduction and Exploration
In-Person – 1:10 pm – 2:50 pm
March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
An important element to understand about Asian painting is that it begins with copying, by learning to control and master materials. We can’t expect to master this in eight sessions, but we can learn and enjoy exploring the process.
- Lesson 1: Orchid–Use of a bamboo brush to make different strokes and achieve a series of values
- Lesson 2: Bamboo
- Lesson 3: Cherry blossom
- Lesson 4: Chrysanthemum
- Lesson 5: Horizontal landscape
- Lesson 6: Vertical landscape
- Lesson 7: Birds
- Lesson 8: Free choice
Materials:
- Suggested Book: The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting, by Mai-mai Sze, or any other book on Asian brush painting. Also helpful, any book on Japanese prints, such as Hokusai’s Manga. Often available from libraries or used book sites.
- Brush: One or two bamboo brushes
- Paint: Watercolor or bottled inks
- (Brush markers may be useful, but a big selection is needed for a variety of colors and values)
- Palette with pans for washing
- Paper: White or buff paper, drawing pad or printer paper (which some students may find too small)
- Newspapers: to protect surfaces and reduce cleanup
Louise Flax earned a PhD in Art Education. She has taught art and photography in Norwalk Public Schools for 38 years. She loves making and teaching art.