Welcome to Painting

Understanding Chinese Painting

A Chinese painting has a distinctive look to it that you can easily recognize at first glance. Chinese portraiture and Chine landscapes have a quality not found in western paintings. The history of Chinese painting can be dated back to the Neolithic age six thousand years ago. It was at this time that Chinese artists began to use brushes in their work. Chinese art and painting have evolved considerable after many years and influences from other cultures, but there are many elements in the painting that still remain a constant today.

For instance, the primary subjects of Chinese paintings are the flower and bird pictures that are seen often in Chinese art, beautiful landscape scenes, and paintings of figures. Chinese painting is often done onto paper or silk for a beautiful effect. You will see the pictures appear on murals, screens and fans in the Chinese culture. Chinese pictures can consist of fine brush strokes and intricate detail, or pictures that employ a freehand brush stroke and more abstract images.

Art that Creates a Poem in the Work

Bamboo and plum blossoms are seen frequently in Chinese paintings. As well, one of the ideas that a Chinese artist wants to convey through his canvas is the poetry that the culture finds in nature and natural scenes. That is why landscapes are so popular in Chinese art.

Many pieces will include an inscription or seal that will help the audience of the picture understand what the artist was trying to convey through his painting. Other elements that are often incorporated into Chinese painting in order to convey the message of the piece are calligraphy and engraving. These elements all work together in a beautiful combination to bring a story and a symbolism to each masterpiece.

Elements and Tools Used in Chinese Painting

The brush techniques that are used in the art of this culture require a coordination of the painter's entire arm to create the long straight strokes of the bamboo poles that appear in many Chinese paintings.

The motions require some practice to master, but will result in a free-flowing effect. To this day much of the Chinese art that you see is done with ink of various intensities to create lightness and dark in various objects. Color in Chinese painting generally consists of the hues that are found in nature. Tools include ink sticks and writing brushes.

Chinese painting incorporates a variety of elements to create beautiful and serene natural landscapes. It is a treat to be able to enjoy the art of this particular culture.

Chinese painting has been around for thousands of years. It is an art form that has been passed down from generation to generation and is still practiced today. Chinese art and paintings can make a valuable addition to any home décor.

Parts of classic Chinese painting reunited after 360 years of separation

Visitors to the Palace Museum in Taipei next June are in for a treat: they will be able to view the two parts of a legendary Chinese painting together.

Chinese Children Turn to Art

New York, Jul 30 2010 3:10PM Millions of schoolchildren in China have demonstrated their concern for the environment by participating in a painting contest, using their artistic creativity to come up with images to illustrate their commitment to conservation, the United Nations environment agency said today.

Today, July 28 in Ridgewood

* Chinese Brush Painting for teens at Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N. Maple Ave., 4:30 p.m. Use traditional materials to create a beautiful scene from nature. $2 materials fee. Information: 201-670-5600.

Landscapes sweeter from afar

AFTER 7½ years of marriage and three children, Andrew Taylor feels ''incredibly lucky'' to share his life with actress Rachel Griffiths.

Latham man reunites with three Vietnam War Navy buddies

The veterans served as part of the 70-man crew of the minesweeper USS Endurance armed with 40 mm guns and 50-caliber and 30-caliber machine guns from 1967 to 1970. Endurance sailors boarded and searched Chinese junks and other suspicious boats and provided fire support for Marine and Army soldiers being attacked by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers. LaFalce and his buddies also served ...