Freehand Painting is a style of Chinese painting that uses a simplified brush technique to depict scenes. It is an art form that combines poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seals. Freehand painting focuses on the use of ink, departing from the conventional techniques of outlining and highlighting. Instead, it employs a technique called "bo mo" (拨墨), or "ink-blurring," to create the desired effect. Freehand painting emphasizes the individual expression of the artist. There are two categories of Freehand painting: small Freehand and large Freehand. Small Freehand is more inclined to use ink wash to depict the tangible form of objects, following the tradition of ink flowers and ink birds from the Yuan dynasty. On the other hand, large Freehand leans more toward using ink wash to express the subjective emotions of the artist, continuing the tradition of "literati ink play" from the Song and Yuan dynasties.
Course Content
The Mustard Seed Garden Manual (芥子园画谱)
Freehand brushwork, or xieyi, is a painting style that uses simple and expressive brushstrokes to depict scenes. Typically painted on raw rice paper, this style emphasizes the spirit and essence of the subject, allowing the artist to convey their emotions directly. It contrasts with meticulous brushwork (gongbi), focusing more on capturing the "spirit" rather than fine details. The technique often involves both middle and side brushstrokes.
Course Outline:
Volume 1: Landscapes, Trees, Rocks, Architecture, and Figures
Volume 2: Orchid, Bamboo, Plum, and Chrysanthemum
Volume 3: Flowers, Grass, Insects, and Birds
Volume 4: Figures—Imitating Masterpieces and Extending Classical Techniques
Lingnan Painting (岭南画)
The Lingnan school is considered a revolutionary movement within traditional Chinese painting. It advocates a fusion of Eastern and Western techniques, blending Japanese painting methods with the unique styles of late Qing Dynasty Lingnan artists, such as Ju Chao and Ju Lian. By incorporating techniques like "water-splashing" (撞水) and "powder-dusting" (撞粉) alongside traditional Chinese methods such as "mogu" (boneless painting), Lingnan painting developed a distinct modern style that reflects its era.
Course Outline:
Landscape, Birds and Flowers, Figures, Copying Demonstrations
Enrollment Requirements
• Age 18 and above
• Suitable for student with or without basics
Types of Courses
Course Term
Course Schedule:
4 lessons per month ( 2.5hrs per lesson)
Instructed by
