Chinese Brush Painting- How-To Part 4-Paper
Yesterday, my painting “Sunset” made the Home Page…..
Though I’ve had my work on television and in print media many times over the years, and rooms I’ve painted including my own home, are still being televised around the world, being chosen for the RedBubble home page felt like an Oscar win….that’s because RedBubble and RedBubblers are quite, quite, unique…..
So, unique people, I have come down to earth this morning to write part 4 of How to Chinese Brush Painting-Paper.
The paper for this exciting and beautiful art form are available in many different types of surfaces.
It may seem confusing at first to be faced with so many different choices at the art store, but the solution is simple…buy a few samples.
I must confess I’ve never have any trouble doing this…I’m crazy about paper, and collect it anywhere I find beautiful pieces…particularly irresistible are those that have shreds of silk or snippets of flowers and grasses embedded in them.
I’ve even made my own paper…but that’s another story…..see samples of these, by clicking on the picture..
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There are several types of paper used in Chinese Brush Painting, semi-absorbent, which you can use for practice, absorbent, sized paper, and those that have special fibres incorporated into them.
I had great fun, making mine from discarded watercolour paintings, and I incorporated dried flowers from my garden, or sometimes faded potpourri, which gave the paper a beautiful scent. I then either painted on them or made books and boxes…one is shown in the picture.
Start with the plain paper until you’re really confident, then buy some fancier sheets…just remember that what you leave out is as important as what you put in to the painting. So if you use a heavily patterned paper, it must not detract from your image but become a part of it.
So now you’ve got the brushes, ink and paper…....
Let me know when you’re ready to paint and we’ll go on to the first strokes of the brush..
Enjoy…
Janis
Chinese Brush Painting- How-To Part 4-Paper
The 4th in the Series of How To Chinese Brush Painting
coppertrees, 2 months ago
Wonderful,thankyou so much for posting this.
Janis Zroback in reply to coppertrees’s comment, 2 months ago
Thank you for reading it….if you would like me to continue to write this series, please let me know, as I will only continue if there is sufficient interest in the subject….
Marion Chapman, 2 months ago
Yes, yes, please continue – especially for everyone in the watercolour paintings group!!
coppertrees, 2 months ago
Oh yes please do keep writing these they are wonderful. I was in China in 89 and did not get to stay as long as I had planned.
I will read every word.
Janis Zroback in reply to Marion Chapman’s comment, 2 months ago
Thanks for letting me know…...I will.
If I know by comments that people are interested in reading these posts, [as they do take some time to write], then I certainly will continue, otherwise it’s like a voice in the wilderness…..
coppertrees, 2 months ago
I just visited your web site, it is amazing I like the MM the shine of acrilic and matte of watercolor is excellent.
Janis Zroback in reply to coppertrees’s comment, 2 months ago
I’m so glad to hear that you are enjoying these articles…it’s what I need to keep writing them….I live an extremely busy life, but I make time for RedBubble every day as I really love the site…I have listings on many sites, but I must confess I don’t get to them, because I’m here…..
Janis Zroback in reply to coppertrees’s comment, 2 months ago
Thank you so much…I hope you were able to visit all three sites, as they are so different, even though the artwork is repeated….
coppertrees, 2 months ago
They are wonderful, such beautiful art work
Seth Weaver, 2 months ago
I love painting with Chinese watercolor brushes, they are so expressive. I do relief prints and was taught to do the image first with these brushes and I’m addicted to their effect in artwork. So gad Janis that you are sharing your gift with the RB.
Janis Zroback in reply to Seth Weaver’s comment, 2 months ago
Thank you Seth, for your comment and input…I will be adding part 5 “Starting to Paint”, including the use of the brush, very soon. I hope you will continue to add some of your valuable experience to the post.
Janis Zroback in reply to coppertrees’s comment, 2 months ago
Thanks again…more of these posts very soon….