A variety of painted peach trees and pine trees

Author: Yang Hongwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Chinese painting often carries symbolic meanings in its subjects. For example, peonies symbolize wealth and prosperity, while bamboo represents integrity. Peach and pine trees symbolize longevity, making them one of the most commonly used themes by painters. In a painting with a peach theme, the focus should be on the fruit, the peach. Such paintings can be complete works featuring tree trunks, leaves, and peaches; they can also be branch-and-blossom compositions, depicting a single branch, a few leaves, and one or several peaches; or even just a few peaches placed in a plate or basket, which are also very appealing.
Pines are often found growing on mountains, some even in the crevices of cliffs. They withstand wind, rain, snow, and frost, remaining evergreen and enduring for millennia. Therefore, pines not only symbolize longevity but also represent resilience and strength, which are highly valued virtues in Chinese culture. This book introduces the techniques of painting pines in flower-and-bird painting, where the pine is the focal point. For this purpose, the author has specifically broken down the pine needles, branches, and trunks, introducing their painting techniques and various poses one by one. Then, these three parts are combined to demonstrate their interweaving and composition. Finally, the artist signs the work and seals it with an, completing the entire piece.