Painting Plum and Chrysanthemum in Ten Steps: Rapid Learning of Chinese Painting Techniques

Author: Cao Ming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The origin of poets praising chrysanthemums dates back to ancient times. The earliest records of painting chrysanthemums can be found in the Xuanhe Huapu, which documents that famous painters of the Song Dynasty, such as Huang Xian, Zhao Chang, Xu Xi, Teng Changyou, and Huang Jushi, all created works featuring chrysanthemums in winter. The Song Dynasty Painters' Album introduces precious works such as Vase with Flowers by Yao Yuehua of the Song Dynasty and Chrysanthemum Thicket with Flying Butterflies by Zhu Shaozong of the Song Dynasty, both of which have been verified by experts. Both paintings employ the meticulous brushwork technique of line-drawing and shading. By the Yuan and Ming dynasties, ink and wash painting had developed, enriching the expressive techniques of chrysanthemum painting. For example, Shen Zhou, Tang Yin, and Chen Chun of the Ming Dynasty were renowned masters of ink and wash chrysanthemum painting. In the Qing Dynasty, even more masters emerged in chrysanthemum painting, and their styles and forms became increasingly diverse. Notable figures include Zhu Da, Yun Shouping, Shi Tao, Gao Fenghan, and the Eight of Yangzhou. In the modern era, masters like Xu Gu, Zhao Ziqian, Wu Changshuo, and Pu Hua further developed the technique of bold ink splashing and expressive brushwork, often inscribing poems to convey emotions, thereby embodying the steadfast, noble, and resilient character of autumn chrysanthemums. As a result, the outstanding chrysanthemum works created by painters across generations have become exemplary learning models for future artists.