1. Chinese Brush Painting

2. I am going to show you the world of Chinese brush painting!
You will know:
How to hold and use the special painting tool
What the “four gentlemen,” symbolize.
Describe 4 characteristics of Chinese brush painting
Name 2 famous painters

3. Where do you want to go first? Click on it!
Tool
Four Gentlemen
Characteristics
Great Artists
Quiz

4. What do Chinese people use to write and paint?
A brush made of animal’s hair

5. What does it look like?
Close Up

6. How do you hold it?
How do you paint with it?

7. Activity Pick up one of the brushes at your workstation.
Practice holding it as a Chinese artist would hold it-
Now dip the brush in ink and practice making strokes on paper.

8. 1. Orchid 2. Bamboo 3. Chrysanthemum 4. Plum
There are 4 popular themes of Chinese brush painting. These are known as the
--Four Gentlemen
1. Orchid
2. Bamboo
3. Chrysanthemum
4. Plum

9. Orchid Symbol of Spring Means: Bright promise , unity and modesty
By Hu Leping ( )

10. Bamboo Symbol of Summer Means endurance, flexibility and perseverance
By Xu Beihong ( )

11. Chrysanthemum Symbol of the Autumn Means triumphant in Life: Persistence, Patience and Fortitude.
By Wu ChengShuo

12. Plum Symbol of Winter Meaning: 1. Secret promise of renewal 2
Plum Symbol of Winter Meaning: 1.Secret promise of renewal 2.Continuity & Hardiness of Life
Click on the speaker, and listen to an ancient music called “Plum”)
By Yu Qinghai

13. In each of the paintings below, tell which of the
4 gentlemen is represented by stating the
season and naming symbol.

14. Characteristics of Brush Painting I
It is an ancient art form with more than 6,000 years of history.
Subjects: Any objects can be drawn such as figures, landscapes, buildings, flowers, birds, animals, insects and fish.

15. Characteristics of Brush Painting II
Seldom follows the convention of central focus perspective or realistic portrayal, gives the painter freedom to better express his subjective feelings.
Great artists were also great poets. The poems on the painting express the painter’s idea and emotions, and also provide decorative beauty to the painting.

16. True or False? Chinese brush painting began around 1600.
Insects is a subject of Chinese brush paining
Most of the Chinese brush paintings are realistic portrayal.
Poem is not a part of the Chinese brush painting.

17. Click on the drawing! (Video)
This drawing was painted thousands of years ago! Chinese Painters believe, with only ink and brush, you can paint anything!

18. Two artistic giants of the 20th century
Qi Baishi injected his painting with typical Chinese farmer’s tastes—simple, pure and humorous.
His favorite subjects--flowers, insects, birds, landscapes and human figures.
Qi Baishi( )

19. Qi Baishi’s Painting--Calabashi

20. Qi Baishi’s Painting 2— Old man and Peach

21. 2nd Artistic giant of the 20th century
Xu Beihong borrowed techniques from Western painting.
He was most accurate in the depiction of both spirit and form.
Xu Beihong(1895~1953)

22. His was most famous for his painting of horses.

23. Please write down your answers and turn it in!
Quiz Time
Please write down your answers and turn it in!
What are the “four gentlemen” and their meanings?
Can you name 2 painters?
Bonus: Compare Chinese brush painting with western oil paintings, are there any differences?

24. The End XieXie! (Thank you)

25. Chinese Brush Painting
Designed By Litao Wang Educational Technology Masters Program Texas A&M University, 2003
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