Traditional and Contemporary Chinese Brush Painting: Using ink and water-soluble media

Jun 05

In this inspiring book, noted artist Cheng Yan introduces readers to the beautiful and evocative art of Chinese brush painting. Readers are guided through the basic materials, techniques and strokes building up to more complex, full painting.

A selection of Cheng's beautiful work, which includes animals, landscapes and flowers, is described in detail with stepped instructions and photography. Chinese brush painting would be a wonderful and enjoyable skill to learn on its own, and could be integrated into cardmaking or scrapbooking for some tryly extra special results.

July 2006

I am always keen on learning new techniques and so was eager to have a read of this book. I wasn't disappointed, after purchasing the initial equipment which was the ink stone, inks and Chinese brushes I settled down with this book. Devouring all the info given in this book I set about practising with my new equipment. I was surprised at how well I took to it and how elegant the pictures became with just a few strokes. Of course I wouldn't have had any idea on how to obtain such wonderful results if it wasn't for following Yan's detailed step-by-step guides. Cheng Yan's ability to create atmosphere in his paintings is awesome and although I have only tried the more basic projects at the moment I am thoroughly looking forward to doing the more advanced projects. Animals, birds, fish, insects and landscapes are all covered in this book. So if you are interested in expanding the ways in which you paint this book is a must for you!

Oct 06

I have recently read Cheng yans book on chinese painting and thoroughly enjoyed it. The artwork is beautiful and as a freelance artist I feel absolutely inspired to try some techniques out!!

Andrea Evans, Wales

Premier issue March 07

The art of Chinese brush painting is a beautiful discipline to master and will help you create serene and delicate artwork. Although there is no dedicated Chinese brush category in Corel Painter, you can easily adapt the program's Watercolor, Liquid Ink and Sumi-e brushes and follow the advice in this book.

You learn how to create a variety of Chinese brush paintings in this book, from a lovely peony to a horse, swallow or landscape scene. The photos that accompany the steps are all nice and clear, plus we really like the fact that the images being explained are achieveable.

In addition to all the tuition, readers are also treated to some background information on the tradition of Chinese brush painting and the typical materials used. This is a fascinating read and helps you understand the process behind the age-old tradition, while also giving all you need to start creating your own images.