Freehand Flowers and Birds · Painting the Eagle

Author: Lu Feng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Among the various painting genres in the world, Chinese flower-and-bird painting might be the most unique. Flower-and-bird painting has been an independent discipline for over a thousand years of history. Through long-term artistic practice and the diligent efforts of countless painters, it has accumulated a rich heritage, with generations of renowned masters. For ease of learning, in addition to the traditional master-disciple transmission method, various painting manuals have been published. The most famous of these are Jieziyuan and Dianshizhai. These manuals are printed using woodblock or stone engravings. Following the manuals makes it easy to get started, but excessive imitation can also lead to a formulaic flaw. When learning Chinese painting, the most important aspect in absorbing knowledge is the character "" (wù), meaning "insight." The level of "insight" is the key to whether one can succeed. Those with low insight learn only what they are taught, while those without insight struggle to learn anything. In creation, innovation, and the release of energy, the most crucial character is "" (dù), meaning "measure." Whether one is a painter or a professional in any field, they are always bound by "measure." This is the standard of whether a person is mature. Flower-and-bird painting is perhaps the artistic medium that can best visually represent the grasp of "measure." This is determined by its close proximity to the dialectical relationship of opposition and unity. The "innovation" in flower-and-bird painting is not the goal. What is "new" today will be "old" tomorrow. Compared to the "old," the "new" has an advantage because "liking the new and disliking the old" is human nature. When comparing the "old" to itself, it can only be judged as good or bad. The judgment of good or bad in China has a harsh reference point: the 5,000-year civilization of China. Eagles come in various species, such as bald eagles, vultures, and falcons, and belong to the category of large birds of prey. When painting an eagle, it is essential to highlight its distinctive features, focusing on the portrayal of its beak, claws, and the spirit in its eyes. Painting an eagle is easily formulaic—by memorizing a few poses and brushwork steps, it becomes a widely used technique, which is necessary for beginners. However, to paint an eagle vividly, one must undergo a prolonged process of in-depth observation and sketching. Understanding the eagle's ecological environment will eventually allow the artist to infuse their own aesthetic awareness and personality. Since eagles generally have large bodies, the importance of brushwork becomes even more pronounced when painting them.