Chinese painting beginner training. Chrysanthemum (freehand style)

Author: Anhui Fine Arts Publishing House
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Chrysanthemums are one of China's traditional famous flowers. They bloom in late autumn, known for their resilience in facing frost, and are collectively called the "Four Gentlemen" along with plum blossoms, orchids, and bamboo. Chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of species and rich colors. Due to their noble and elegant charm, they have long been favored by literati and painters. In the works of different painters, chrysanthemums also exhibit distinct personalities. Xu Wei of the Ming Dynasty excelled in freehand brushwork, painting chrysanthemums with just a few strokes, conveying a sense of severity and wildness. Yuan Nantian of the Qing Dynasty used color and ink to paint chrysanthemums, creating delicate and refined works. Zhu Da and Shi Tao of the Qing Dynasty were also skilled in painting chrysanthemums, but their works lacked artificial embellishment, relying instead on ink outlines or dotting, exuding a sense of elegance. Wu Changshuo of the modern era painted chrysanthemums with bold and powerful brushwork, creating majestic and grand compositions. Modern painters such as Qi Baishi, Chen Banding, Pan Tianshou, and Wang Xuetao have also created numerous chrysanthemum-themed works, becoming models for later generations to study. When depicting chrysanthemums, it is common to first outline and then add slight coloring, or to use direct color or ink dotting techniques. Chrysanthemums have a proud and wild nature, and their characteristics should be reflected in the artwork. Therefore, they are often paired with rocks, fences, or other elements to highlight their noble and elegant temperament. Chrysanthemum leaves can be painted with ink or outlined, but they must be harmonious with the flowers. In summary, to better portray chrysanthemums, one must observe them in nature and capture their beautiful forms. This not only accumulates materials for creation but also deepens an understanding of their moral character.