Book Description
Sumi-E, or Chinese brush painting, is admired and emulated by artists the world over. This beautiful and inspiring book shows painters of all interests and skill levels how to achieve the fluid, spontaneous style of this unique art form.
Through 12 step-by-step projects, readers will learn how to paint a range of popular subjects using traditional Chinese inks, brushes and papers. Projects gradually increase in difficulty, and feature such subjects as swallows, bamboo, wild orchids, plum blossoms, pandas, horses, peonies and more.
An introductory chapter explains the traditional materials used with this style of painting, its subjects and its composition. There is also an in-depth section on technique that covers everything from holding brushes to mastering brush strokes.
Customer Reviews:
enchanting.......2007-08-11
The book is easy to read (and I'm not speaking English as mother tongue), clear plus pictures and paintings are gorgeous from cover till the last page. I find this book over and over again from my hand. Also contents are excellent, speaking of learning how to paint. Although I have taken one basic course in Chinese painting, it still gave me more information including the repetition of the basics. I only can recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn the technique. I already bought one extra for a student of mine.
French edition.......2004-03-03
This book has been translated into FRENCH and is selling now. It is about painting, about art. The French Title is " La Peinture Chinoise, pas a' pas".ISBN: 2-215-07592-9 It is good enough for France to have a translaed copy is good enough to be rated 5 stars.
chinese brush painting step by step.......2003-12-28
I am drawn to Chinese brush painting by its emphasis on form, simplicity and elegance. I also love the use of pen and ink and watercolor. This book is a beautiful introduction and has made me want to read more as I begin to paint in this centuries-old tradition. In my search for serenity and beauty in Nature, Chinese brush painting has calmed my restless soul. Truly a wonderful book!
Tony Cerreto
Book Description
With enthusiasm and energy, he guides the artist through all the traditional techniques, illustrating how to create atmosphere and light in landscapes, focusing on trees, water, mountains, sky and clouds. He shows how to capture liveliness and movement in animals, birds, fish and insects, and he transforms flowers and plants into beautiful works of art skilfully showing how to master composition, inks, paints and traditional brushstrokes. Detail is as important as a spontaneous style; leaves, stems bamboo, feathers, scales and blossom are clearly depicted and Yan also explores texture, blending colours to define shapes and outlines. This invaluable guide captures the essence of Chinese painting, bringing together the fun of learning, the joy of creativity and the delight of discovery.
Customer Reviews:
Really Informative.......2007-05-13
This book is probably one of the best for beginners who want to get a full grasp of how to load brushes with multiple colors, do sequential washes (both wet and dry), as well as lists a full set of materials required for the lesson. Some would argue that it doesn't show the full range of Chinese calligraphy styles available, but I'm saying this book was just what I was looking for. It has several very nice projects to choose from, and all of them are beautiful when finished. It focuses mostly on animals and plants, but is thorough none the less. I did have the privlidge of looking at this book in a bookstore first, before buying it online.
Wonderful Book.......2007-02-13
This is a wonderful book. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn Chinese Brush painting. Very beautiful work and easy instruction. One of my favorite art books.
This book is just wonderful!.......2006-10-28
I have half a dozen books on Sumi painting and this is my favorite. Mr. Yan is an extremely talented artist and the examples he uses to teach his techniques are just beautiful. He is very thorough in his explaning how to achieve various effects. I found his explanation of the role and significance of the traditional implements and supplies used in Chinese brush painting facinating. In summary, I learned many new things from this book even though I've been taking lessons for a year and read many other books.
Customer Reviews:
Not for non-watercolor painters.......2006-03-26
Chinese brush painting is difficult if you lack enough experience with watercolor painting (I have painted with acrylics mainly). The pictures in the book are beautiful and the book is good as just a coffee table book to look at if you are a curious person and wonder how Chinese (or Japanese)painting is done.
Capturing the Spirit of Chinese Brush Painting.......2004-03-27
What a delightful treat for painters of all stages!!! Nan Rae's book is a very lively and spiritual work that draws you to her obvious passion for her art. I'm a beginning painter and have bought several brush painting books. The Ch'i of the Brush is a very dedicated book with beautiful illustrations that are easy to follow-her directions and explanations make you feel that she were giving you the lessons right in your own home!! This book gives you an exciting confidence and enthusiasm for the art that makes you want to learn all that you can do. The histories and works included are very appreciating and thorough--very interesting to read. Plus, the most beautiful part--Nan Rae's wonderful illustrations and paintings are displayed page after page and her happy spirit lifts right off of those pages!! If you could pick only one book on Chinese Brush painting, this is definitely the one to have.
Lacks the True Spirit of Chinese Painting & Culture.......2003-12-09
Being a collector of traditional and contemporary Chinese paintings for over 25 years, I am also very interested in the variety of techniques different Chinese painters use. This book covers the basics of Chinese brush painting, ideas and concepts taught for hundreds of years so there nothing new in this book. Not seeing Nan Rae's work prior to purchasing this book, I was very surprised by the mediocre level of her paintings. Her paintings have a western influence but her ability to merge the two cultures just doesn't work. For myself and other fellow collectors, her paintings in no way capture the essence of what true Chinese culture and its painting is all about. Another disappointment about her work (from this book and website) is that many of her paintings are copied (and not very well at that) from older Chinese paintings and famous artists works. If your really interested in Chinese painting techniques, find books by true Chinese painting masters such as the Chinese painting series by the Asian based publisher Art Book Co. (with English text) and not someone who paints as if it were a casual hobby. Buy this book if you're interested in "reading" about simple Chinese brush techniques but once your actually begin painting, find some reference paintings created by actual Chinese artists who capture the true spirit of Chinese painting and the culture.
A Must Have Book! A Real Treasure!.......2003-11-04
This is a book filled with beautiful art. From the helpful detailed instructions for the beginner to the inspirational techniques and compositions for the experienced artist, this is the one book you must have on oriental brush painting. I teach brush painting and every student lights up when they look through this book. This book goes to every class I teach and every student wants a copy to take home. I have many books on brush painting but this is one I will always treasure.
Exquisite Eloquence: The Art of Explaining Art.......2003-09-22
The first thing that struck me as I thumbed through this graceful publication was how visually beautiful it was. I thought perhaps I had purchased a lovely coffee table book! Ms. Rae's work is beautifully reproduced on its pages and alone is reason enough to buy this book. As I dug deeper, I have discovered the author writes as eloquently as she paints. Her explanations are clear and concise and the illustations are very helpful. But more importantly, perhaps, woven throughout the book is an underlying sense of encouragement. This author doesn't just want to show you "how-to," she wants to inspire you. And I must say, she succeeds. I also suggest checking out her website. She is a prolific and exuberant artist!
Book Description
Created specifically for the beginning to advanced artist who has an interest in traditional watercolor painting. Subjects include mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, birds, trees, and snow-covered landscapes. Incorporate Chinese brush effects and Oriental grace into paintings. Step-by-step lessons and demonstrations give the basics needed to get started. Gallery of 30 selected paintings included. Enjoyable to look at and would make a great gift for any art lover.
Customer Reviews:
Simply lovely and well detailed........2007-01-07
SNOW PAINTING: CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING is a gorgeous presentation providing artists with all the fundamentals needed to produce Chinese-style brush paintings. From a survey of inks, stones, and brushes to a treatise on basic color, paper, observing and understanding how snow is depicted in art, and a step-by-step approach to subject definition, materials, and effects, SNOW PAINTING is packed with detail ranging from bird observation to stylistic guidelines. Simply lovely and well detailed.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Description
Comprehensive "how-to" manual takes all levels of students through the creative process, providing detailed instructions for painting such simple subjects as bamboo and plum blossoms as well as more ambitious motifs: birds, fish, and landscapes. Some sections describe how to adapt Chinese brush painting to Western subjects. 150 illustrations, including 82 in full color.
Customer Reviews:
Definitive text.......2006-06-29
This is the classic text on Chinese brush painting written by a British woman who studied in the traditional manner with Asian painting masters.
Her presentation is thorough (history, tools, technique, pedagogy) and she guides the student through the traditional first four "subjects" that are traditionally studied--the "Four Friends", i.e plum, bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum--in that order. Mastery of these four subjects thoroughly schools the students in the brushwork required in this style.
Even those who do not wish to paint in this style exclusively should study this work. Western style painting can only benefit from the exquisite sensitivity of brushstrokes disciplined in this tradition.
Book Description
Newly published titles in the growing “Artist's Handbook” series are written for dedicated amateurs and can also be used and valued by professional artists. Each Artist's Handbook has a sturdy hardcover binding so that it can be taken out to the field for guidance or used in the studio. Hidden spiral bindings keep pages lying flat so that artists can refer to them while working with their materials. Each title supplements textual instruction with 400-to-600 color illustrations showing artwork in various stages of completion. Readers will also find information on artists' tools, techniques, color-mixing, creating special effects, and trouble-shooting to correct errors. This book demonstrates the techniques that must be mastered by students of the exquisite art of Chinese brush painting. All aspects of the art are covered, with emphasis on special materials, and discussion of Chinese graphic style and color composition. Students are also introduced to the special types of paper, brushes, and ink sticks required for Chinese painting. Particular attention is given to depictions of flowers, branches, bamboo, fruits, fish and animals in natural settings, trees, landscapes, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and other subjects typical of Chinese paintings.
Customer Reviews:
This is material that has appeared before!.......2006-07-09
Be warned: If you have used other books on Chinese painting, there is a good chance you have seen the material in this volume before. It is an amalgamation of material on Chinese brush painting culled from several sources, including 1) work by Pauline Cherrett and 2) Wang Jianan and Cai Xaoli's Oriental Painting Course. There is nothing, however, in the book or the Amazon product description that gives you any indication of this!
That said, if you are a beginner this might be a good book for you. It seems like they've taken their material from good sources. You might, however, be better off learning a consistent approach from a single author. Your call. For me, I'm returning it.
Book Description
This is the perfect introductory kit for anyone who wants to learn the exciting art of Chinese brush painting. It includes all the tools needed to get started, including a full-color project book filled with inspiration and unique ideas.
The project book begins with information on art tools and materials and then covers the basics, such as handling the brush, color mixing, and brushstrokes. It also includes 11 complete Chinese brush painting lessons to follow and learn. Each of the animal subjects is accompanied by clear instructions, step-by-step illustrations, and helpful tips, all of which ensure successful results. Beginning artists will quickly discover how easy it is to apply a variety of fundamental techniques, resulting in impressive works of art!
This kit makes an ideal gift because the paints are safe and easy to use and the book teaches skills that can be applied for a lifetime. Most important, it allows everyone to discover the artist within themselves.
Customer Reviews:
Chinese Brush Painting Animals Kit.......2006-08-08
This Kit helped me get started in chinese animal brush painting. It offers clear directions. The brushes are not the best quality, but using your own brushes is just fine. My 13 year old nephew also enjoyed following the directions in painting a tiger.
Can't beat it for the price.......2006-02-28
Great kit. I bought it and Chinese brush painting. My kids and I are doing some art together, and these kits were just what we needed. All you need to add is some newsprint to practice on. A wonderful introduction. If you really get involved, you would want to move on to some advanced texts, but for someone just starting out, I highly recommend these.
Book Description
In this gorgeously illustrated book, Lucy Wang invites you into her artistic world and shows you how to create a variety of Chinese brush paintings in watercolor. She explains a number of traditional techniques as she demonstrates her own method of developing floral and bird paintings in the Chinese style, step by step. Inside, you'll discover how to paint an array of subjects using this unique and inspiring painting style. And you also will find essential information about painting on rice paper as well as how to mix colors and handle a Chinese brush. Moreover, you'll find a wealth of beautiful watercolor Chinese brush paintings to both copy and admire!
Customer Reviews:
Nice, Fresh Approach.......2007-05-17
I've purchased 3 other Chinese Painting books recently, looking for one where I like the style presented. Lucy Wang is one of my favorites. Her style is brighter and looser than most "traditional" Chinese painting. I don't always like the Spontaneous style that she employs, because it can look very blotchy. But because she uses a lot of bright color, and less of the black ink, I don't find it objectionable in her paintings. She's also contemporary in her use of watercolor paper, rather then the traditional "rice" paper (actually mulberry or other plants). So your strokes might bleed a bit more than hers do, if you use the rice or Sumi-e paper.
The book features a short tutorial on the materials and strokes. They aren't gone into in much depth, but the projects all have arrows showing the direction of the brushstrokes. Then she moves on to 14 projects. There's one Siamese cat picture and a traditional style landscape; the rest are florals, nearly all of which feature a bird as well. Wang does 3 of the 4 traditional "Four Gentlemen" subjects, the Bamboo, Plum Blossom, and Orchid - oddly, the Chrysanthemum is missing. She depicts flowers and birds from all over the world, not just China, including 2 hummingbirds. The flowers show nice variation, but many of the leaves seem kind of generic - I would have liked them to be more specific to the plant being rendered.
I like the large format of this edition - it really lets you examine the pictures in detail. BE ADVISED, however - as far as I can tell, this is the EXACT same book offered in the Walter Foster Chinese Brush Painting Kit, just in a larger size. If you already have the brushes and other materials, this book is good to get; otherwise, the kit is a better value.
My 2 cents.......2006-03-28
Nice for beginners, easy to follow instructions, even older children can enjoy this with minimal guidence.
Chinese Brush Painting.......2001-12-20
This book is an excellant reference and guide for the beginner and advanced artist alike. Several attractive subjects are demonstrated with step by step examples of the tradiitional brush strokes used in this ancient art form.
Customer Reviews:
chinese brush painting and instructional guide.......2005-10-07
Be sure it is the instructional guide not the students guide. The students guide is just an answer key, a companionto the instructional guide, with no information.
Great for beginners.......2000-11-02
This is a great book for beginners as Ning Yeh shows how to paint several popular subjects step by step. Subjects include bamboo, orchid, camellia and panda. I especially like the sections on painting leaves and camellia, as the techniques can be applied to many different floral subjects.
Ning's painting style is fairly distinctive and is not as loose and spontaneous as some painters, but is really lovely. Nevertheless, his approach helps to show beginners how they can use the brush to construct the different strokes comprising the subjects. He also shows examples of common mistakes for the strokes, which helps you to learn quicker. I teach Chinese brush painting to beginners and have found this book to be a great reference and I also recommend it to my students.
He also includes a section on how to wet-mount a painting (applying the rice paper to a heavier backing to remove wrinkles and make it less susceptible to tearing). I have found this information to be invaluable and not readily-found elsewhere.
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