CHINESE PAINTING
69
Chinese artists through the ages have evolved and classified a variety of brush strokes used in painting but they fall into two classes: the precise or careful and the free or spontaneous. A beginner should start with a precise style, using sized paper, and gradually work up to the free. Constant practice and experimentation are necessary, treating the same subject in different colours, the brush held at varying angles - upright, aslant, using up or down strokes, or from one side or another.
There are many types of paper used by Chinese artists, but they fall into two main groups: the sized and the unsized or more highly absorbent. The sized paper is usually more glossy on one side, and the artist selects the side which is more in keeping with the style of painting he has in mind. Generally the sized paper is used by an artist who prefers the careful style, with sharp definition and linear effects. The ink does not spread so quickly on sized paper and more water should be used on the brush to avoid monotonous effect.
The unsized paper is not only highly absorbent but has a rougher surface which affects the brush stroke. The ink flows faster from the brush and spreads rapidly on the paper. The artist must use quick strokes and be a complete master of his technique. Such paper is more suitable for the spontaneous style of painting.
Silk as a painting surface was often used in ancient times, but is very seldom used by modern painters. It is not due to the comparatively higher cost of the material, but to the fact that paper is more effective for painting. Silk has the peculiarity of the sized paper in being less absorbent, while the rough surface of the weave affects the brush stroke in a manner similar to the surface of unsized paper. The effect of a painting on silk is between the effects of paintings on sized and absorbent papers. Before beginning a painting the artist has in his mind the subject and the composition of his work and decides accordingly on the type of paper he is going to use. An expert can use any medium and still obtain the desired effect.
For a beginner a good teacher is essential, but not all famous artists can impart their knowledge. A good teacher must have method, a complete knowledge of his tools and the ability to demonstrate their use. He should have infinite patience in watching his pupils at their work, correcting errors and encouraging...
CHINESE PAINTING
69
Chinese artists through the ages have evolved and classified a variety of brush strokes used in painting but they fall into two classes: the precise or careful and the free or spontaneous. A beginner should start with a precise style, using sized paper, and gradually work up to the free. Constant practice and experimentation are necessary, treating the same subject in different colours, the brush held at varying angles - upright, aslant, using up or down strokes, or from one side or another.
There are many types of paper used by Chinese artists, but they fall into two main groups the sized and the unsized or more highly absorbent. The sized paper is usually more glossy on one side, and the artist selects the side which is more in keeping with the style of painting he has in mind. Generally the sized paper is used by an artist who prefers the careful style, with sharp definition and linear effects. The ink does not spread so quickly on sized paper and more water should be used on the brush to avoid monotonous effect.
The unsized paper is not only highly absorbent but has a rougher surface which affects the brush stroke. The ink flows faster from the brush and spreads rapidly on the paper. The artist must use quick strokes and be a complete master of his technique. Such paper is more suitable for the spontaneous style of painting.
Silk as a painting surface was often used in ancient times, but is very seldom by modern painters.
modern painters. It is not due to the comparatively higher cost of the material, but to the fact that paper is more effective for painting. Silk has the peculiarity of the sized paper in being less absorbent, while the rough surface of the weave affects the brush stroke in a manner similar to the surface of unsized paper. The effect of a painting on silk is between the effects of paintings on sized and absorbent papers. Before beginning a painting the artist has in his mind the subject and the composition of his work and decides accordingly on the type of paper he is going to use. An expert can use any medium and still obtain the desired effect.
For a beginner a good teacher is essential, but not all famous artists can impart their knowledge. A good teacher must have method, a complete knowledge of his tools and the ability to demonstrate their use. He should have infinite patience in watching his pupils at their work, correcting errors and encourag
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