Pen and Ink Painting of Birds and Birds: An Anthology of Teaching Examples of Chinese Flower-and-Bird Painting

Author: Bi Zhang
Publisher: Xiling Press
Publication Date: 2005-03-01
Features: In flower-and-bird painting, even if flowers, grass, trees, and rocks are well depicted, the atmosphere of the scene remains inevitably lonely and cold without the arrangement of birds. Placing one or two birds on the tips of trees or flowers, or by the water's edge or rocks—whether flying, standing, gathering, or scattering—can instantly make the painting lively and vibrant. Regardless of whether using meticulous, unlined, or freehand techniques, birds should always be the focal point of the artwork.
Rules for using brush and ink to depict birds in white ink: The beaks, eyes, legs, and feet of birds should be outlined with thick ink and fine lines. For feathers that are distinct and noticeable, use the scale method with light ink to outline them, starting and ending softly, avoiding abrupt, rigid strokes. When feathers are densely clustered but appear blurred, use the single-line silk-feather method. At prominent curves and transitions on the body, apply short strokes to create the effect of fluffy and soft feathers. Each short stroke, even if brief, must follow the rhythmic pattern of [] to achieve this texture. On the high, convex parts of the bird's body, such as the chest and upper back, the feathers should be dense and thick. On the low, concave parts, such as the belly and lower back, the feathers should be sparse and scattered. Additionally, the body and outline of the bird should be drawn with short, intermittent lines.
Depicting birds in white ink is the foundation for learning various techniques of bird painting, including meticulous, unlined, and freehand styles. Beginners must place great emphasis on this and approach it with seriousness.