Mei Lan Zhu Ju: Collection of Ink Wash Paintings

Author: Li Yingbao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum are traditional themes in Chinese painting. Line drawing is the oldest form of artistic expression and a fundamental technique in Chinese painting. Techniques originate from life and practice. Before learning, one should absorb the insights of predecessors in sketching and the spirit of observing nature. Sketching in nature helps in creation, and during creation, one should break free from sketching, employing selective, comprehensive, exaggerated, and simplified methods to capture the essence of nature. Line drawing of plum blossoms expresses their upright and unyielding spirit in snowy landscapes through the variations of lines. Regardless of length or thickness, every stroke should show the brushwork. In movement, grasp the force required, first draw the stems, then the flowers, and finally add details. To depict the charm and elegance of spring orchids, one must convey a sense of unrestrained grace and the delicate, mysterious posture of a lady. The contrast in line variations should have a rhythmic flow. When outlining bamboo, the lines should be sharp, reflecting its noble character. First draw the leaves, then the stalks, and finally the branches. The brushwork should be continuous, with straight strokes, rounded edges, and clear joints. Chrysanthemums bloom in late autumn, embodying their resilience against frost. The lines should be both firm and flexible. First draw the flowers, then the leaves, and finally the branches. The changes in the (spirit) of the lines stem from self-taught mastery and a deep experience of life's artistic lines, which alone can bring vitality.