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
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
Average customer rating:
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The Tao of Chinese Landscape Painting: Principles and Methods
Wucius Wong
Manufacturer: Design Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Landscape Painting
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Watercolor Painting
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
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Landscape
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
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General
| Arts & Photography
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Folk Art
| Schools, Periods & Styles
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0830690107 |
Customer Reviews:
Very nicely done!.......2003-03-26
This book serves as a very good introduction to the oriental methods and philosophy behind the art of landscape painting. The target audience is Western people. Wucius Wong did a great job in explaining the ideas with concise texts and nice illstrations. You can also find some very nice Chinese calligraphy used for the original Chinese terms he is explaining. Highly recommended!!
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
Through the harmonious balancing of opposites, the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin yang is beautifully applied to the art of painting in an illuminating, results-oriented instructional for artists of all levels. According to this time-honored system, successful art is based on balanced energies and the control of contrasting elements within a work. This remarkably simple approach is presented in two seamless parts. Part One examines the traditional elements of painting-from value (light/dark) and texture (thick/thin) to color (warm/cold) and brushwork (sharp/blurred)-as evolving from a true balance of opposites. Part Two's step-by-step demonstrations focus on major genres of painting-still life, landscape, and the figure-employing all the yin-yang principles for the completion of successful paintings.
Customer Reviews:
Enchanting but thoughtful.......2007-06-21
I am almost through reading this book and dread reaching the end! It has been such a wonderful adventure absorbing Zhang's approach to color, color palettes, and analyzing the various colors chosen for his yin/yang palettes, not to mention enjoying his beautiful work. I am anxious to give some of his ideas a try.
I would highly recommend this book not only for its unique slant on oil painting, but for the mental exercise it has provided! It's not just your typical same old beginner's book, that's for sure. This one makes an artist THINK!
Westerner's view on the Yin/Yang.......2005-09-26
I found this book very helpful, especially in the area of mixing color. I thought the information was put in a way that is easy to remember. Overall, the picture quality is pretty good but I thought this kept the book from being great.
Simply Awesome! A MUST for all Painters........2004-06-15
I have read the previous reviews, and find that the people with criticism have missed the most important point. For me, it is that by using Mr. Zhang's complementary palettes, a painter cannot create MUD!
There may be other books which describe some of the notions of opposites presented by the authors, but none which provide an artist with such a foolproof method for mixing harmonious paint. After many years of using the classic paint hues of the great masters, I attempted a painting with one of Mr. Zhang's palettes, and found that with respect to color, it is the best and most satisfying work of my life. Now I paint exclusively with them.
I believe that this book is meant for advanced artists, although beginners will find a world of important fundamentals, as well.
For all its valuable lessons, the pages of the book are also filled with absolutely stunning paintings. HongNian Zhang creates sheer visual poetry. His book, so clearly and intelligently written by portrait artist and teacher Lois Woolley, is replete with novel ideas, expert instruction, and edifying demonstrations. But it would also be worth owning for the paintings alone.
I do wish persons who consider writing a review would actually read and study the book, and in the case of an instruction book for artists, that they actually attempt putting to practice the lessons taught -- otherwise they have no basis from which to judge, and no business doing so. I can't recommend this book highly enough -- five stars are far too few!
Painting Mastery.......2003-03-28
This book is a must for the master artist who wishes to advance to the next level of color/light mastery. It is not just pages of beautiful illustrations and color tips.Having enjoyed a sucessful art career myself for many years, this the first art book that I have read that speaks on many leverls to the professional artist. It presents useful ways to limit palet choices without limiting color expression. I have given this six copies away of this book to my contempory artist friends and we all agree that it is a MUST HAVE BOOK!
Painting Mastery.......2003-03-28
This book is a must for the master artist who wishes to advance to the next level of color/light mastery. It is not just pages of beautiful illustrations and color tips.Having enjoyed a sucessful art career myself for many years, this the first art book that I have read that speaks on many leverls to the professional artist. It presents useful ways to limit palet choices without limiting color expression. I have given this six copies away of this book to my contempory artist friends and we all agree that it is a MUST HAVE BOOK!
Book Description
This extraordinary on-the-page class in brush painting explores both the technical and spiritual aspects of China’s ancient art, helping students to paint with confidence, skill, and understanding. Lavishly packed with breathtaking illustrations and detailed instructional photos, it discusses materials, styles, and themes, as well as special topics such as the influence of calligraphy on painting, the importance of arranging the workspace properly, and the use of a seal to “sign” the finished work. Each chapter is like a perfectly formed monograph rich in information on inks, papers, art utensils, holding the brush correctly, making exquisite-looking strokes and pictograms, applying color, and mastering the techniques for representing vegetation, animals, the human figure, portraits, and evocative landscapes. Well-constructed practice exercises complete this enlightening course.
Average customer rating:
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Chinese Landscape Painting for Beginners: A Practical Course
Audrey Quigley
Manufacturer: Sterling Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Asian
| Regional
| History & Criticism
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Landscape Painting
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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Watercolor Painting
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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Drawing
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
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General
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
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Landscape
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
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Still Life
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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ASIN: 080690500X |
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book.......2007-03-10
Great for beginners! I want to learn to draw and look forward to expressing myself. I do not consider myself yet an "artist." However, I bought this book and found it excellent. The instructions are easy to follow and help one obtain very good results. What I need to do is practise. I highly recommend this book.
Cool.......2000-06-03
I love Asian and Oriental paintings, so this is a cool book to learn about art, and how to do it.
Book Description
One of the first Western systematic studies on more than two thousand years of Chinese art by a premier expert in the field. Includes comments by noted landscapists, poet-painters, historians, and theoreticians during the Sung dynasty, methods of study and aesthetic principles of the Ming period, and more. 7 black-and-white plates of illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Review: The Chinese on the art of painting.......2007-07-30
Title fits the book perfectly - in fact it could have been written in Chinese. It is a collection of translated quotes from Chinese sources on rules and critique of Chinese painting through the ages. The author adds his own comments here and there but in places, I found the book nearly incoherent.
Average customer rating:
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Chinese Brush Painting (Book Box)
Manufacturer: Reader's Digest
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Asian
| Regional
| History & Criticism
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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Watercolor
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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ASIN: 0276424883 |
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The Sumi-E Book
