Categories
Archives
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
Author Archives: Reluctant Rat
Capture the breeze—painting kapok trees
While studying the body of art by contemporary artist Zhang Shipei I spied a distinctive tree appearing in his village scenes. In most instances the tree was large, spreading limbs almost horizontally near the tops, and frequently sporting red dots. … Continue reading
Part 2: Under my scope–Zhang’s Treatment of figures and animals
Instinctively I knew there were many aspects to Zhang Shipei’s painting style that I loved. For the sake of greater understanding I set out to assess individual elements and then try to emulate them. I also recognized that his style … Continue reading
When you fall in love, deconstruct.
Every so often in my exploration of this ancient art form known as Chinese brush painting or CBP (so called because the brush you use is handmade in China according to traditional ways) I trip over an artist whose work … Continue reading
Posted in Chinese Brush Painting, landscape
2 Comments
Sponge-dabbing for effect
My recent experiments with bubble and mono printing reminded me of the fun effects you can achieve with sponge-printing. I hadn’t done this since childhood and never using my CBP tools. Sea sponges are best for this as they have … Continue reading
A matter of style
I’ve been feeling like the ugly duckling in the Hans Christian Andersen tale, a “strange bird” among fellow artists all diligently painting beautiful compositions with a Chinese brush. Where those around me sit down with the four treasures—ink, stone, paper … Continue reading
Posted in Chinese Brush Painting, style
3 Comments
Backgrounds that Bubble
I’ve been thinking of Lawrence Welk these last few days. Not because of any great love for big band music of old, vintage television, or even the fact he was a distant cousin of my mother-in-law. It’s his trademark ‘bubble … Continue reading
