Chinese Brush Painting

I am going to show you the world of Chinese brush painting! You will know: How to hold and use the special painting tool What the “four gentlemen,” symbolize. Describe 4 characteristics of Chinese brush painting Name 2 famous painters

Where do you want to go first? Click on it! Tool Four Gentlemen Characteristics Great Artists Quiz

What do Chinese people use to write and paint? A brush made of animal’s hair

What does it look like? Close Up

How do you hold it? How do you paint with it?

Activity Pick up one of the brushes at your workstation. Practice holding it as a Chinese artist would hold it- Now dip the brush in ink and practice making strokes on paper.

1. Orchid 2. Bamboo 3. Chrysanthemum 4. Plum There are 4 popular themes of Chinese brush painting. These are known as the --Four Gentlemen 1. Orchid 2. Bamboo 3. Chrysanthemum 4. Plum

Orchid Symbol of Spring Means: Bright promise , unity and modesty By Hu Leping (1955- )

Bamboo Symbol of Summer Means endurance, flexibility and perseverance By Xu Beihong (1895-1953)

Chrysanthemum Symbol of the Autumn Means triumphant in Life: Persistence, Patience and Fortitude. By Wu ChengShuo

Plum Symbol of Winter Meaning: 1. Secret promise of renewal 2 Plum Symbol of Winter Meaning: 1.Secret promise of renewal 2.Continuity & Hardiness of Life Click on the speaker, and listen to an ancient music called “Plum”) By Yu Qinghai

In each of the paintings below, tell which of the 4 gentlemen is represented by stating the season and naming symbol.

Characteristics of Brush Painting I It is an ancient art form with more than 6,000 years of history. Subjects: Any objects can be drawn such as figures, landscapes, buildings, flowers, birds, animals, insects and fish.

Characteristics of Brush Painting II Seldom follows the convention of central focus perspective or realistic portrayal, gives the painter freedom to better express his subjective feelings. Great artists were also great poets. The poems on the painting express the painter’s idea and emotions, and also provide decorative beauty to the painting.

True or False? Chinese brush painting began around 1600. Insects is a subject of Chinese brush paining Most of the Chinese brush paintings are realistic portrayal. Poem is not a part of the Chinese brush painting.

Click on the drawing! (Video) This drawing was painted thousands of years ago! Chinese Painters believe, with only ink and brush, you can paint anything!

Two artistic giants of the 20th century Qi Baishi injected his painting with typical Chinese farmer’s tastes—simple, pure and humorous. His favorite subjects--flowers, insects, birds, landscapes and human figures. Qi Baishi(1863-1957)

Qi Baishi’s Painting--Calabashi

Qi Baishi’s Painting 2— Old man and Peach

2nd Artistic giant of the 20th century Xu Beihong borrowed techniques from Western painting. He was most accurate in the depiction of both spirit and form. Xu Beihong(1895~1953)

His was most famous for his painting of horses.

Please write down your answers and turn it in! Quiz Time Please write down your answers and turn it in! What are the “four gentlemen” and their meanings? Can you name 2 painters? Bonus: Compare Chinese brush painting with western oil paintings, are there any differences?

The End XieXie! (Thank you)

Chinese Brush Painting Designed By Litao Wang Educational Technology Masters Program Texas A&M University, 2003 © All rights reserved