It's been a long time since there was a book on Chinese painting, but they were once all the rage. This one has been worth the wait and is about as authentic as you can get, being adapted from a series of Chinese originals.
For all that, the approach is accessible for the Western reader and, although the introduction to materials contains some terms that may not be familiar, more obtainable alternatives are suggested. Interestingly, where colour is used, the authors prefer gouache as being more like the heavier pigment used in China itself. Previous, more Western-based books have used transparent watercolour.
The book consists of a series of simple demonstrations and, of course, simplification is very much to the fore. As a result, although each project is covered in no more than three or four pages, there is no sense of foreshortening and the number of steps is perfectly adequate. Chinese art involves working quickly and there simply isn't that much to do - there's no room for fiddling when you're contending with a large, soft brush.
This is a welcome return to the world of Chinese painting which, even if you don't want to pursue it in much depth, offers palate-cleansing simplification that can only refresh your own work.
-- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *
The centuries-old art of Chinese brush painting is clearly explained in this new book from Search Press. The book explores traditional themes such as birds, plants, flowers, landscapes, fruit, vegetables and fish, through the four seasons. Using ink and colour pigments to paint onto rice paper or silk there are plenty of projects to work through including the peony depicted in spring, the lotus flower in summer, vegetable harvest in autumn and the bamboo bud in winter. Each demonstration includes an introduction to the symbolism involved plus clear step-by-step instructions.
* Leisure Painter, February 2023 *
The Chinese style of painting has always been popular in the West for its simplicity and elegant use of form and colour. Guides have ranged from comprehensive, which explain the philosophy and mindset behind the work, to those which emulate the style, while retaining more familiar ways of working.
Despite being based on a series of Chinese publications, this falls more into the latter category than the former. The lessons are straightforward and thoroughly practical. Working methods are easy to pick up and materials have been adapted for what you will find available. The demonstrations are short, but the simplicity of the work lends itself well to no more than half a dozen steps. Subjects include trees, flowers and animals.
This is a worthwhile addition to the fairly considerable library of books available and will suit those who want to gain experience of this thoroughly rewarding way of working.
* The Artist, March 2023 *
There are few craft books that showcase an art form as delicate and beautiful as Chinese Brush Painting Through the Seasons. Authors Sun Chenggang, Ning Xiangying, Ning Jialu and Miao Hongbo talk you through a season each, via 30 gorgeous projects that spotlight the spectacular variety of nature.
* Crafts Beautiful, March 2023 *
