Mural Painting Beginner Course – Paper-Based Module
Instructor: Jordant Chang
Duration: 8 sessions × 3 hours = 24 hours
Thursday Class: 19/3/2026 – 7/5/2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday Class: 22/3/2026 – 10/5/2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Final Works
Small Practice Work: A3 Xuan paper
Major Final Work: 4-chi Xuan paper (approx. 138cm length format)
Course Positioning
Starting from foundational baimiao (fine line drawing), students will gradually transition into traditional Chinese painting color application and heavy color layering techniques, culminating in the completion of a full-scale four-chi mural-style painting on paper.
Learning Objectives
Understand foundational mural figure construction and line structure inspired by Dunhuang, Yongle Palace, and Fahai Temple
Gain familiarity with traditional Chinese painting pigments and water control techniques
Master flat wash, layered shading (fenran), and glazing (zhaoran) methods
Understand the logic of layered heavy color application
Complete both small and large-scale works, building full project experience
Course Highlights
Structured Training: Line Drawing → Color Application → Heavy Color Layering → Complete Artwork
Step-by-Step Practice: Begin with small-scale practice before moving to a large-scale final piece
Full Guidance: Continuous instruction by Zheng Youshu
Complete Artwork Outcome: Each student finishes one four-chi mural-style painting
Course Outline
Session 1 (3 hours)
Theme: Fundamentals of Line Drawing & Draft Design
Learning Goal:
Understand mural figure proportions and directional line structure
Content:
Observation and analysis of mural line drawings
Line practice (thick, fine, contour strokes)
A3 small-scale draft drawing
Assignment: Complete A3 line drawing practice
Session 2 (3 hours)
Theme: Refined Line Work & Proportion Adjustment
Learning Goal:
Improve precision and compositional integrity
Content:
Detailed line rendering (drapery, ornament, headpieces)
Proportional planning for 4-chi Xuan paper
Assignment: Complete large-scale composition draft
Session 3 (3 hours)
Theme: Introduction to Chinese Pigments
Learning Goal:
Understand pigment mixing, base coloring, and water control
Content:
Overview of traditional Chinese pigments (tone scale, transparency, opacity)
Flat wash demonstration and practice
Base color application on small work
Assignment: Complete small flat wash exercise
Session 4 (3 hours)
Theme: Layered Shading (Fenran) & Transitional Effects
Learning Goal:
Master gradient control and layering
Content:
Demonstration of layered shading
Transitional practice on selected areas
Complete foundational color layers on A3 work
Assignment: Finish base and shading layers on small piece
Session 5 (3 hours)
Theme: Glazing & Heavy Color Structure
Learning Goal:
Learn the logic of layered heavy color application
Content:
Glazing demonstration (building layers without disturbing base colors)
Layering on small work
Begin base glazing on large work
Assignment: Complete glazing on small piece
Focus: Color density and depth building
Session 6 (3 hours)
Theme: Texture & Color Reinforcement
Learning Goal:
Enhance dimensionality and surface texture
Content:
Techniques for strengthening focal areas
Texture-building exercises
Layer reinforcement on key areas of large work
Assignment: Complete detailed layering on major sections
Session 7 (3 hours)
Theme: Overall Adjustment & Refinement
Learning Goal:
Integrate color harmony and compositional balance
Content:
Overall tonal evaluation
Edge refinement and compositional correction
Light-dark balance adjustment
Assignment: Complete full color application on large work
Session 8 (3 hours)
Theme: Finalization & Presentation
Learning Goal:
Complete and polish the final artwork
Content:
Final highlights and refinements
Group critique and feedback session
Final Outcome: Completed 4-chi mural-style painting
Course Fee
RM 1700
Includes mural painting tools worth RM 250.
