I’m sure you have noticed the change of pace in my art work in the last few days…I have added some Oriental work in ink on paper….some peaceful landscapes in the typical Chinese style of free brush painting in black ink, with touches of colour, where I felt it was needed.
Chinese painting is part of a 3000 year old culture, and in experimenting with these works, I had to throw out what I know about western style painting, and start to think about painting in a more linear way.
These are absolutely my first paintings in this style. I decided I wanted to paint as much as I could in the traditional way, and so I learned to grind my own ink, had stamps carved with my name in Chinese and set to work.
It was hard at first to come to terms with the idea that once you put the brush to paper, that was it…no drawing first, no erasing or changing the mark in any way. However, I was thrilled to be able to stop thinking about western style perspective, and get on with mountains and rocks which have always been my favourite subject matter.
Once I had mastered the techniques, the whole experience was very enjoyable, and from time to time I return to it, as a break from my usual style of work….it is a real feeling of freedom from western style restrictions in landscape painting, and I love that. It is as much about what you decide to include as what you decide to omit.
If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating art I can continue to add to this journal….there are a few basic techniques, you will need to know before you start creating your own works of art…..how to grind ink [not really necessary], but fun. What materials to use, how to paint in the Chinese way etc…additionally, you may just want to learn how to use inks on rice paper in order to create work that’s not necessarily in the Chinese style..
However I will only continue if there is sufficient interest….by clicking on the painting below, you will be linked to my website, and illustrations of tools you will need.
The Last Catch by Janis Zroback
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superam23, 17 days ago
go nuts. im a huge fan of that style.
Janis Zroback in reply to superam23’s comment, 17 days ago
Oh good….I will try as you say to “go nuts”....thanks
blamo, 17 days ago
gotta go with your flow Janis …............... i knew a guy who painted using cobwebs …....... it’s great just to have a go diff styles and techniques ….......... i will look fprward to your new creations
Janis Zroback in reply to blamo’s comment, 17 days ago
Thanks Blamo…..I have painted pictures of cobwebs, but not used them…it must have been a challenge, just finding them, unless he haunted old buildings….I will look at the ones in my garden more closely…they’re tough…I know ‘cause I could never blast them off with the garden hose….
blamo, 17 days ago
your new work is amazing and you seemed to have captured the oriental spirit with ease ….................10/10
Janis Zroback in reply to blamo’s comment, 17 days ago
Oh! I could really get used to this…..I’m smiling all over my face….even though loud hockey play offs are on in the background…...
How to say thanks in a million different ways…thanks..thanks ..thanks.
Tom Vaughan, 17 days ago
agree with blamo… this technique seems to speak to you, so go with it!
Janis Zroback in reply to Tom Vaughan’s comment, 17 days ago
Thanks….with all this positive and wonderful feedback, I definitely will.
Susan Grissom, 11 days ago
beautiful….....
Janis Zroback in reply to Susan Grissom’s comment, 11 days ago
Thank you so much Susan..
Seth Weaver, 7 days ago
Pure spontaneity of creativity, where a little in a picture goes a long way. You’ve certainly captured the essence of Chinese painting, Janis. Beautiful work.
Janis Zroback in reply to Seth Weaver’s comment, 7 days ago
Thanks Seth…I really appreciate your taking the time to comment on my work….
mlgkats, 4 days ago
cool i always wanted to learn
Janis Zroback in reply to mlgkats’s comment, 4 days ago
Thanks so much….there are 5 posts and I will be adding more…please let me know how you get on….
mlgkats, 4 days ago
thank you i will , and you are so welcome