Li Dejun: Techniques for Painting Chickens

Author: Li Dejun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-12
Features: Painting chickens can fully demonstrate the aesthetic value of brush and ink in Chinese freehand flower-and-bird painting. Therefore, many Chinese freehand painters choose to paint chickens, taking their brushwork and ink techniques to the extreme. For these excellent works, it is essential to study them frequently, contemplate them deeply, and carefully appreciate their brushwork and ink application. Additionally, one can selectively copy and learn their brush techniques and ink handling methods according to their own circumstances. This is highly beneficial and necessary because learning Chinese painting relies heavily on copying outstanding works to inherit and promote the fine traditions.
Even if a chicken painting looks realistic without brush and ink charm, it cannot be considered a good example of Chinese freehand painting. Innovation is invaluable in any art form, as it helps to develop one's own style. For instance, the crabs and shrimp painted by Baishi (Qi Baishi) are exceptionally skilled, but one cannot simply replicate his techniques. If you do, it becomes immediately apparent, especially to those whose works are still in the exploratory stage. Many bold and innovative elements can be incorporated—either inspired by them or directly adopted to enrich one's expressive vocabulary. All of these approaches are highly beneficial.