Calligraphy of freehand grasshoppers

Author: Zhao Shuhai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Grasshoppers and other small insects, though tiny, are commonly found in our daily lives and come in a wide variety of species. As subjects for painting, or as small decorations in bird-and-flower compositions, they are intriguing and visually appealing. "A few flying insects placed among dense flowers and leaves can make the scene lively and interesting." In traditional painting, grasshoppers were considered part of the bird-and-flower genre, hence the past term "bird-and-flower-and-insect." Commonly depicted grasshoppers include butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, praying mantises, crickets, longhorn beetles, grasshoppers, katydids, moths, etc. Their physiological structure mainly consists of three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Grasshoppers generally have six legs and four wings. The head is located at the front, equipped with eyes, antennae, and a mouth at the lower end. The mouth is short yet strong, with two large, movable teeth. The thorax bears legs beneath it, while the four wings grow on the sides. The abdomen is segmented and can slightly retract or bend, making them adept at jumping. The hind legs are often large, and when flying, they fold their legs and hold them close to the chest. Upon landing, they spread their six legs. The thorax is composed of four segments: the first segment is short, the second is thick, the third is spiny, and the fourth is claw-like. The colors of grasshoppers generally serve as camouflage, changing with the environment. Those living among grass are often green, while those crawling in the soil are typically ochre. This requires us to observe, sketch, and study them before artistically reinterpreting their forms.