How to Read a Chinese Ink Painting Masterpiece | Professional Chinese Ink Painting Art Course

History of Chinese Ink Painting

Chinese painting is one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world. Painting in the traditional style is known today in Chinese as guóhuà (simplified Chinese: 国画; traditional Chinese: 國畫), meaning “national” or “native painting”, as opposed to Western styles of art which became popular in China in the 20th century. Traditional painting involves essentially the same techniques as calligraphy and is done with a brush dipped in black ink or coloured pigments; oils are not used. As with calligraphy, the most popular materials on which paintings are made are paper and silk. The finished work can be mounted on scrolls, such as hanging scrolls or handscrolls. Traditional painting can also be done on album sheets, walls, lacquerware, folding screens, and other media.

Techniques in Chinese Ink Painting

The two main techniques in Chinese painting are:
  • Gongbi(工筆), meaning “meticulous”, uses highly detailed brushstrokes that delimit details very precisely. It is often highly coloured and usually depicts figural or narrative subjects. It is often practised by artists working for the royal court or in independent workshops.
  • Ink and wash painting, in Chinese shuǐ-mò (水墨, “water and ink”) also loosely termed watercolour or brush painting, and also known as “literati painting”, as it was one of the “Four Arts” of the Chinese Scholar-official. In theory this was an art practiced by gentlemen, a distinction that begins to be made in writings on art from the Song dynasty, though in fact the careers of leading exponents could benefit considerably. This style is also referred to as “xieyi” (寫意) or freehand style.
Landscape painting was regarded as the highest form of Chinese painting, and generally still is. The time from the Five Dynasties period to the Northern Song period (907–1127) is known as the “Great age of Chinese landscape”. In the north, artists such as Jing Hao, Li Cheng, Fan Kuan, and Guo Xi painted pictures of towering mountains, using strong black lines, ink wash, and sharp, dotted brushstrokes to suggest rough stone. In the south, Dong Yuan, Juran, and other artists painted the rolling hills and rivers of their native countryside in peaceful scenes done with softer, rubbed brushwork. These two kinds of scenes and techniques became the classical styles of Chinese landscape painting.

Six Principles of Chinese Ink Painting

The “Six principles of Chinese painting” were established by Xie He, a writer, art historian and critic in 5th century China, in “Six points to consider when judging a painting” (繪畫六法), taken from the preface to his book “The Record of the Classification of Old Painters” (古畫品錄). Keep in mind that this was written circa 550 CE and refers to “old” and “ancient” practices. The six elements that define a painting are:
  1. “Spirit Resonance”, or vitality, which refers to the flow of energy that encompasses theme, work, and artist. Xie He said that without Spirit Resonance, there was no need to look further.
  2. “Bone Method”, or the way of using the brush, refers not only to texture and brush stroke, but to the close link between handwriting and personality. In his day, the art of calligraphy was inseparable from painting.
  3. “Correspondence to the Object”, or the depicting of form, which would include shape and line.
  4. “Suitability to Type”, or the application of color, including layers, value, and tone.
  5. “Division and Planning”, or placing and arrangement, corresponding to composition, space, and depth.
  6. “Transmission by Copying”, or the copying of models, not from life only but also from the works of antiquity.

Masterpieces of Chinese Ink Painting:

Qi Bai Shi (1 January 1864, Xiangtan, China to 16 September 1957, Beijing, China):

Qi Baishi, AQUATIC LIFE AND CHICKS

Qi Baishi (1864-1957), MORNING GLORY

Zhang DaQian (10 May 1899, Neijiang, China to 2 April 1983, Taipei, Taiwan)

Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), LOTUS IN THE WIND

Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), TWO VIRTUOUS TOKENS

Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), BAMBOO, PLUM, PINE

Xu Beihong (19 July 1895, Yixing, China to 26 September 1953, Beijing, China)

Xu Beihong, DOUBLE HAPPINESS

Xu Beihong, HAPPY MARRIGAE

VAC Professional Chinese Ink Painting Course and Calligraphy Art Course 专业水墨画课程

For Chinese Ink Painting Art Course enquiry, please contact us at 6255 0711 or WhatsApp: 9005 6716. 

Interested to learn Chinese Ink Painting and searching for Chinese Ink calligraphy classes in Singapore? Learn the beautiful, therapeutic and tradition rich medium of Chinese Ink Painting, which is also a prominent form of art in Japan and Korea. Chinese Ink Painting is different from other forms of painting. It relies on the artist’s ability to capture the essence of the subjects and using limited inks and colours to portray it on to a painting. The aesthetic principles of Chinese Ink Painting relies heavily on the spirit of the subject, not the likeness of forms.

Visual Arts Centre Chinese Professional Ink Painting Art Course at Art Studio

Professional Chinese Ink Painting Art Session Schedule (at VAC Art Studio)

Schedule: Every Wednesday, Friday Time: 7:30pm – 9:45pm Art Materials Pack home delivered to you @$30.*For home delivery, the current schedule is 2 working days, however please allow for up to 4 days to receive the art materials pack, as this is a busy period for courier services.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy Lesson Objectives:

(1) Materials knowledge, brief history of Chinese Ink Painting (2) Compositional skills, brushworks, techniques – through learning:
  • Four gentlemen – plum blossoms, chrysanthemum, bamboo, orchids
  • Birds and flowers
  • Introduction to landscape painting
  • Introduction to abstract/semi-abstract Chinese landscape painting
  • Calligraphy practise in every session (to understand brushwork, calligraphy strokes)
Completed Chinese Ink Painting by students in the Art Course
 
With a brush loaded with ink and water, compose your Chinese ink paintings on rice paper. Chinese ink painting involves blending and tactful composition, expressing the essence and spiritual elements of  the subjects. This art course is suitable for anyone with a passion for Art or specifically, Chinese Ink Painting. Suitable for students of 11 years and above.
Our affordable Chinese Ink Painting course provides art instruction and guidance from a foundational level. This is to bridge any previous knowledge, and to better guide complete beginners through a step-by-step approach. Chinese Ink Painting is a representation of Chinese Art. Basic Chinese ink painting features the water and ink, black and white. Delving deeper into the Chinese Ink Art, there is the meticulous paintings of flowers like peonies and birds, with its vibrant colours, are also known as Chinese Ink Painting. The features of Chinese Ink painting are realistic representation close subjects,  abstraction of distant subjects, subtle colours and a rich artistic conception.

Now VAC Conducting ongoing the Best ZOOM LIVE Art Sessions Chinese Ink Painting Fan Painting series Go and check it out!

For Chinese Ink Painting Art Course enquiry, please contact us at 6255 0711 or WhatsApp: 9005 6716. 

Chinese Ink Painting series – Fan painting, classical subjects and birds and flowers

(Finish one Chinese ink painting work on a mounted Fan in one session and learn classical subjects, birds and flowers through our ZOOM LIVE Art Sessions!)

The Professional Chinese Ink Painting Art Instrutor Team

Completed Chinese Ink Painting artworks in the ZOOM LIVE Art Course

VAC Professional Chinese Ink Painting ZOOM LIVE Art Course

Advantages of our Zoom Online Art Class @Visual Arts Centre Singapore

+ High quality, professional art class, workshop style so you can accomplish one artwork per session + 2Hours 15 Mins per session with step by step guidance, art instructor’s live demonstration + Suitable for beginners, teenagers to adults of all ages + Small class size 5pax-15pax with feedback and direct tips and instruction during the art class + Learn Chinese ink painting through the academy school approach, able to utilise these skills and enhance your Chinese ink painting ability

Professional Chinese Ink Painting Art Course, Student artwork

Professional Chinese Ink Painting Art Course, Student artwork

Professional Chinese Ink Painting Art Course, Student artwork

Professional Chinese Ink Painting Art Course, Student artwork

Watch Visual Arts Centre LIVE ZOOM Landscape Sketching Video here:

Chinese Ink Painting ZOOM LIVE Art Session Schedule (Online Art Course)

Schedule: Every Friday, 7.30pm – 9.45pm Time: 7:30pm – 9:45pm Art Materials Pack home delivered to you @$30.*For home delivery, the current schedule is 2 working days, however please allow for up to 4 days to receive the art materials pack, as this is a busy period for courier services.

For Chinese Ink Painting Art Course enquiry, please contact us at 6255 0711 or WhatsApp: 9005 6716. 

Contact Us To Find Out More!

WhatsApp or Text +65 90056716 or Call Us @ 62550711 / Email: info@visualartscentre.sg

If you are looking for 1 session LIVE ZOOM Art Course: Chinese Ink Painting Fan Painting, please click here.  If you are looking for 4 sesssioins LIVE ZOOM Art Course: Chinese Ink Painting, please click here. 

Our Schedule

VISUAL ART CENTRE DHOBY GHAUT STUDIO

CLASS SCHEDULE

Teen/Adult Class

Kids Class (5-7 YO)

Creative Junior Class (8-9 YO)

MON

11am -
1:15pm

5pm -
7:15pm

5pm -
7:15pm

(Digital/
Manga)*

7:30pm -
9:45pm

(Digital/
Manga)

5pm -
6:30pm

TUE

3:30pm -
5:45pm

3:30pm -
5:45pm

3:30pm -
5pm

(KIDS)

4:30pm -
6pm

(KIDS)

3:30pm -
5pm

WED

11am -
1:15pm

1:30pm -
3:45pm

5pm -
7:15pm

7:30pm -
9:45pm

(Chinese Ink
Painting)

5pm -
6:30pm

THU

1pm -
3:15pm

3:30pm -
5:45pm

(Digital/
Manga)

7:30pm - 10pm

(Nude Life/ Portrait)

3:30pm -
5pm

FRI

11am -
1:15pm

5pm -
7:15pm

7:30pm -
9:45pm

 

5pm -
6:30pm

SAT

10:30am -
12:45pm

1pm -
3:15pm

3:30pm -
5:45pm

6:30pm -
8:45pm

 

SUN

10:30am -
12:45pm

11:15am -
12:45pm

(KIDS)

1pm -
3:15pm

3:30pm -
5:45pm

 

*TO BE ENQUIRED

Call/WhatsApp: +65-6255-0711 E: info@visualartscentre.sg

MacPherson Art Studio

Call/WhatsApp: +65-6255-0711

E: info@visualartscentre.sg

CLASS SCHEDULE

140 Paya Lebar Rd, 03-04 AZ @Paya Lebar Building, S(409015)

Contact us for any enquiries!

Our Location

Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio

Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio​

Address:

10 Penang Road, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green,
Singapore 238469

Exit from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station Exit B and turn left, we are there in 30m!

MacPherson Art Studio

Visual arts Centre Macpherson kids holiday, space for hire, venue hire for exhibition gallery, top central venue for rent in Singapore, Visual Arts Centre

Address:

AZ@Paya Lebar, 140 Paya Lebar Road, #03-04,
Singapore 409105

Exit from Macpherson MRT Station Exit A and turn left, we are right across the road, 1 minute walk away!

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Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage

Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”

World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]

A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.

Academy Drawing Traditions

The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy

This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.

Funk with Graffiti

Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.

Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.