Book Description
*Chinese brush painting appeals to both the watercolor and acrylic painter who wants to try working in a simplistic looser, yet representational style
*Contains the most motifs one can find in the Chinese brush painting style, which continues to be popular
*Features an easy-to-use lay flat binding
Over 200 different motifs in an easy-to-use encased spiral format make this the perfect resource for Chinese brush painting. Each motif is accompanied by an explanation of its symbolic meaning, a color palette and step-by-step instruction that includes the order, direction and type of brushstroke needed to complete the image. Clear graphic icons provide detailed brush instruction on how much pressure to apply and what part (tip, heel or whole) of the brush to use. The reader will find advice on composing and combining images to create perfectly balanced, harmonious paintings and ideas for using and displaying their finished art.
Customer Reviews:
Everything you need to know about Chinese brush painting.......2007-07-03
This truly is the Chinese brush painting Bible; an awesome tutorial and guide to learning this art.
Beautiful book!.......2007-05-29
I was looking for a book on Chinese brush paintings that not only showed you how to to the painting technique, but also had a lot of different design motifs. well this is the book. It is a step-by-step book and has over 200 motifs that are beautifully illustrated. It shows you the finished painted motif and the steps to achieve it and each page has a sidebar of the paint colors you will need that not only tell you the color in words, such as pink, but has a small circle of the paint color too (great for a beginner) as well as the brushes that you will need for that particular motif.
The best feature of the book is that it is spiral bound, so that it opens flat and stays flat while you are referring to it. It is a small book height (about the height of a hardback novel), but loaded with great illustrations and beautifully laid out.
Book Description
Known for its simplicity and fluidity of line, traditional Chinese watercolors capture the essence of natural objects with a profound, unmatched beauty. Renowned artist Lian Quan Zhen shows newcomers how to paint in this loose, liberating style through a series of basic demonstrations.
Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors:
* Combines classic Chinese painting principles with Western watercolor methods for breathtaking results
* Features 12 step-by-step mini-demonstrations covering everything from brushstrokes to composition
* Combines the use of ink and watercolor
Following Zhen's unique watercolor methods, artists will learn to paint entire compositions based on classic Chinese watercolor subjects, including flowers, birds and fish. Mini-demos ensure that artists will successfully render every detail, including eyes, scales, feathers, beaks, petals and more.
Customer Reviews:
A beautiful presentation, but.......2006-03-13
It wasn't much help beyond some technicalities of brush work and some reproductions of the artist's work. Okay for a pretty intro. and some history. If your goal is to reproduce someone else's paintings, this book does that; but I want to create my own so Chinese Brush Painting: A Beginner's Guide by Pauline Cherrett, actually gives directions: on how to care for your tools, how to compose your own paintings, how to make your paintings vibrant with energy and spirit, with enough "what not to do's" to be truly a useful beginners guide. I don't understand the 5 star ratings on this book. As to technical brush work; Chinese Calligraphy Made Easy: A Structured Course In Creating Beautiful Brush Lettering by Rebecca Yue; gives wonderful step by step directions for brush work that transfers to painting everything else.
Exquisite watercolors? A Simply Excuisite Book!.......2003-09-21
The title "Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors" is, by all accounts, an understatement! Of the countless dozens of art technique books I've read over the years, this one is by far the most captivating, beautiful and unique.
Rarely have I ever been this impressed by a book on any topic, let alone one on art techniques, of which I'm generally rather critical. I'm so used to art books that leave too much information lacking, are unoriginal, show sloppy technique, or simply cannot keep my interest, that this book left me salivating for more! It is truly an exception!
The author, Lian Quan Zhen brings to life an interesting blending of Chinese painting techniques and Western watercolor methods to create a style of painting that is simply, well... exquisite!
The author begins by covering the basic tools and techniques of Chinese painting, from materials and supplies, to mounting of completed paintings. He covers the difference between Chinese paints and watercolor paints, painting in ink, and even shows the *correct* way to hold a paint brush!
Zhen goes on to give one of the best explanations of effective painting composition that I've seen yet. He covers everything from linear perspective and establishing the focal point of your painting (which he refers to as 'establishing priority'), to geometric organization of objects in arcs, circles, triangles, rectangles and s-shapes, and provides clear examples of each.
Next, the author beautifully conveys the three basic styles of Chinese painting, which he identifies as "detail-style" (gongbi), "spontaneous" style, and a blending of the two which he simply calls "half-detail, half-spontaneous," and throughout the book he gives many beautiful examples, and techniques for creating each of them.
Through the rest of the book, Zhen shares the creation of many beautiful compositions, not only in Chinese ink, but also in watercolor using many of the techniques he uses in his Chinese paintings, and showing how the two different methods can be used to create very original, beautiful works of art.
I cannot recommend this book more to anyone with an interst in watercolor, but I must warn that once you see this book, its very likely you will be equally drawn to Chinese painting.
As for myself, and my growing addiction to Chinese painting techniques, I've now traded in several hundred dollars for a plethora of Chinese art supplies, and I couldn't be happier!!
Many thanks to Lian Quan Zhen, for sharing his uniquely beautiful approach to painting with the rest of us, and for introducing me to a brand new way of looking at a blank sheet of paper, particularly xuan paper!
Fabulous Book!.......2003-08-15
I am a beginner watercolorist and I found this book to be a great help! It is so easy to understand and follow.
BEAUTIFUL BOOK!.......2003-05-01
Not only do you get detailed instruction and easy to understand illustrations with complete list of supplies, you have a beautiful picture book as well! Great addition to your art book library!
Beautiful Teaching, Beautiful Art.......2002-05-16
This is one of the clearest and easiest to follow beginning art books that I have ever read. The author manages to weave together traditional, modern and improvisational oriental brush art and watercolor in a practical useful guide. Early in the book, the author gives a detailed guide to mounting sumi-e style paintings made on shuan or rice paper. I haven't found a better mounting guide in any other book. The step by step pictures for mounting rice paper paintings is priceless. In the latter half of the book, the author describes his watercolor techniques and tools. I found this section useful. He emphasizes that you don't need hundreds of colors and dozens of brushes. Beautiful results can be realized on a very modest budget. Too often, beginning watercolor artists spend hundreds of dollars before they even paint a single picture. You don't have to and this book vividly demonstrates that. It is a superb teaching tool and I highly recommend it to student and teacher.
Book Description
With easy techniques and clear, step-by-step instructions, Lian Quan Zhen draws readers into the enchanting world of Chinese painting. This gorgeously illustrated book teaches artists how to re-create the power and simplicity of this popular artistic style with:
* Page after page of easy-to-follow demonstrations that can be completed with watercolors or traditional Chinese materials
* A wide variety of appealing animal subjects, including horses, cats, tigers, dogs and more
* Concise lessons and illustrations that show readers exactly how to use the Chinese watercolor brush--a technique that's rarely covered in workshops or books
Chinese Watercolor Techniques: Painting Animals provides a powerful look at the contrasts between painting philosophies in the East and West. It's the perfect way to step into the international art world!
Customer Reviews:
book margaret.......2007-09-05
finally recieved on friday august 31 even though it took forever to get the book is an excellent book on chinese water color
Beautiful and useful.......2006-03-03
The information inside this book made me understand the basics of the Sumi-e art. I have little knowledge on painting, and most of it on olio based paints. The simplicity of this tecnic it's astonishing, and this book show the different stages, from basic strokes to complex creations.
Very good piece to have in your collection if you are an art enthusiast.
Better go with his other book.......2006-01-06
I've purchased both of Lian Quan Zhen books, "Chinese WC Techniques: Painting Animals" and "Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquiste Watercolors". Painting Animals has the initial info that is supplied in his Exquisite Watercolor book. He does go into more animals in Painting Animals but Exquisite Watercolor provides all you need and I think it's a better book.
Book Description
Originally published as Volume 2 of The Tao of Painting, this is the first English translation of the famous Chinese handbook, the "Chieh Tzu Yüan Hua Chuan" (original, 1679-1701). Mai-mai Sze has translated and annotated the texts of instructions, discussions of the fundamentals of painting, notes on the preparation of colors, and chief editorial prefaces.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful resource.......2007-03-08
I am a student of Chinese painting and this book was recommended by our teacher as the most reliable reference book for Chinese painting. I am very pleased with this purchase since it is everything that I expected.
Essential textbook for sumi-e and Chinese brush painters.......2005-09-27
This manual has been used for centuries in China and Japan and illustrates all the basics needed to paint in oriental style, with helpful written pointers. Be aware that the black ink illustrations were originally wood-block prints so grey tones do not translate. Particularly useful for compositional study and models of outlline figures, animals and architectural elements. For more up-to-date and in-depth instruction in the Four Gentlemen, including stroke-by-stroke illustrations, try the "Book of Bamboo", "Book of Plum", "Book of Orchid" and "Book of Chrysanthemum" by Prof I-Hsiung Ju.
The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting.......2005-08-16
Excellent book to understand how to work with Sumi brush.
A must.......2005-02-01
Thanks to the Amazon:" look inside this book" I purchased the The Mustard Seed Garden Manual Of Painting. It is amazing how didatic and philosophical can be a text written three hundred years ago ! I could not stop reading since opened the first page: for those who paints or admires chinese pictures (or even calligraphy ) - it is really a must. I recommend to read carefully the : "look inside" because when you receive the book it will surprise you: it is much, much more than that. And, being a 640 pages book and in an almost squared form, it is also delightful to hold those messages that came from the past and is still valid today. Buy now, because if it goes out of print, for sure , you will repent to miss a Classic.
Great reference.......2004-01-02
The illustrations are a wonderful source of reference and inspiration for the beginning and intermediate painter. There are plenty of examples to get you started if you're thinking of trying something new and aren't quite sure how to approach it. The sections I find myself using all the time are trees and human elements.
I learned from a teacher when I was living in Japan, so the bad translation doesn't bother me. I use this book for the images, which is what you really should buy it for. If you want something more of step-by-step instruction for the very beginner, this book isn't it.
Book Description
An inspirational art course in a magnificently illustrated art book.
Paint beautiful works of art using the special brush-and-ink techniques cultivated for centuries by Chinese artists—techniques that allowed them to represent the structure and spirit of any subject. Every image provides inspiration, background information enlightens you on how the style developed, and practical guidance helps beginners select brushes, paper, ink, and other supplies. Master the skills of both the Literati (freehand) and Meticulous (more formal) styles, and see how to create each of the classic and meaningful Four Gentlemen —the blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum—as well as a range of elegant birds. More than 15 exquisite projects include a flower-and-bird parchment fan, bamboo greeting cards, lantern with a nightingale in peach blossom, and decorative kite with gold-fish design. The lush paintings and the delicate yet instructional art techniques will soon have you creating stunning Chinese brush paintings of your own. A Selection of the Crafter’s Choice Book Club.
Customer Reviews:
The Simple Art of Chinese Brush Painting.......2006-07-31
I am very happy with this book. Thankyou for sending it so promptly.
A Very must have book for any oriental brush painter.......2004-04-24
I have a rather extensive library of Chinese Brush painting books, and would only say a few are "must have", and this book truly falls into that category. The author does try to keep matters simple, and does a great job of making simple outstanding paintings. But besides the nice paintings, he shows several creative ways to use Chinese brush paintings, such as on fans, and lanterns, and on pine screens. Finally, he shows various poems of Chinese Calligraphy which appear to be rather easy to inscribe one's painting. I still have probably not done the book the justice it deserves.
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.
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The Fine Art of Chinese Brush Painting
Chinese Brush Painting: A Complete Painting Kit for Beginners
Snow Painting: Chinese Brush Painting
Traditional and Contemporary Chinese Brush Painting: Using Ink and Water-Soluble Media
Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors
