Brushwork of Flowers and Birds · Painting Orchids

Author: Hu Chunyang
Publishing House: Shaanxi Fine Arts Publishing House
Brief Introduction:
Orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family. They are evergreen, perennial herbaceous plants with a vast variety of species. In Taiwan Province alone, there are over a hundred types. Orchids are categorized into Spring Orchids, Summer Orchids, Autumn Orchids, and Winter Orchids based on their blooming seasons. The leaves are typically丛生 (growing in clusters), long and pointed with a sturdy, resilient texture. The flowers are pale yellowish-green, with six petals arranged in two concentric circles: the outer three are sepals, and the inner three are petals. The two upper petals are identical, standing upright and called the "捧心瓣" (捧心瓣). The lower petal is larger than the upper ones and is known as the "唇瓣" (唇瓣), which is white with red or purple spots. Orchids without spots are referred to as "素心兰" (素心兰). Their fragrance is sweet, rich, mellow, and refreshing, creating a warm and cozy ambiance. Though elegant and refined, orchids do not compete with other flowers for attention but rather thrive in secluded valleys and deep mountains. Their noble character, reminiscent of the virtues of scholars and君子 (gentlemen), has been highly cherished by literati through the ages. As General Chen Yi famously wrote in his poem:
"In the deep valley, the orchid grows,
Known to few, yet sought by all.
For its fragrance so sweet,
Seekers fill the mountain’s slope."
Countless literati and painters have composed poems and artworks in honor of orchids. For example:
"A modest bush, not a foot tall,
In the hollow valley, who is it for?
A path of cold clouds,
A forest of autumn dew’s scent." (Jie Changsi)
"With both white and yellow hues,
Even in solitude, it blooms with grace.
A heart though small,
Holds room for much to behold." (Zhang Yu)
These verses celebrate the orchid’s rich, lingering fragrance.
Niu Zuan, in his poem:
"The orchid and sweet grass turn to thatch in autumn,
The cold of the south fades away.
Only Chen Suo’s heart remains unchanged,
Writing the Lao Sao with tears and ink,"
used the orchid to express his patriotic sorrow.
Since the time of Zheng Suozang, Zhao Zigu, and Guan Zhongji, renowned orchid painters have emerged in every generation. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, masters like the Yangzhou Eight Masters, Shi Tao, and Wu Changshuo became celebrated orchid painters, demonstrating the long and profound tradition of orchid painting.
Mr. Hu Chunyang, deeply rooted in traditional culture, has studied the essence of ancient literati’s paintings, exploring the profound and exquisite. He has immersed himself in the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi, delving into metaphysics and Zen. Beyond teaching, he dedicates himself to artistic creation, refining his brushwork to perfection. His reputation in the art world is well-deserved, especially for his mastery of orchid painting. This book offers a systematic guide to orchid painting, breaking down techniques into clear, progressive steps. With exquisite brushwork and ink, it is both insightful and accessible, serving as an invaluable entry for orchid painters. Every page holds wisdom—need I say more?
Author Bio: Hu Chunyang was born in Qingyuan, Hebei, in 1946. He graduated from Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts in 1969 and has taught there ever since. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Chinese Painting Department at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts and holds the title of Professor. He is a member of the Chinese Artists Association and the Chinese calligraphers Association, as well as the Standing Director of the Tianjin Branch of the Chinese Artists Association. He is also a Master Supervisor for postgraduate studies and a member of the Tianjin Academy of Local Culture and History.
His works have won numerous awards in major national and international art exhibitions, and his paintings are widely collected by institutions such as the Great Hall of the People in China.