The Ch'I of the Brush: Capturing the Spirit of Nature with Chinese Brush Painting Techniques

by Nan Rae

The Chinese have a saying, “From heart to arm . . . to hand . . . to brush . . . to paper.” This epitomizes the concept of Hsieh-i , or the “written idea,” the spontaneous, expressive approach to Chinese brush painting known as the Literati, or free-form style.



In The Ch’i of the Brush , artist Nan Rae illustrates the fundamental elements and traditional motifs of the Literati style, which seeks to transcend the mere representation of a subject to capture its ch’i, or life force, by using a minimum of brush strokes for maximum effect. In the Literati style, no sketches are prepared and no models are used; instead, the artist paints with rapid, intuitive movements of the brush that convey his or her “mind image” of the subject.



Nan Rae’s unique approach to Chinese brush painting combines the grace of the Literati style with an impressionist approach to color. In Part 1, “Preparing for Your Journey,” Rae discusses the creative roots and various styles of Chinese brush painting, as well as the materials, techniques, and state of mind needed when approaching this intuitive painting style. In Part 2, a series of step-by-step worksheets demonstrates how to paint “Enchanting Flowers” (iris, wisteria, magnolia, and others) as well as “Captivating Creatures” (panda, bird, crane, dragonfly, and more). Finally, “Finishing Touches” shows how to mount a completed painting and add traditional Chinese seals.




• Interest in Chinese brush painting
is strong

• The presentation of traditional motifs makes this painting style accessible to artists at all skill levels

• Filled with lush, full-color artwork in a charming, sophisticated package

Genres: Art

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

Reviews

[Marjorie Elwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not as much a fan of her style of sumi-e painting, but I learned several techniques/bits of information that I didn't know by reading the book. While I think the author is trying to gear the book toward the beginner, there aren't enough photographs of her painting to make it realistic for an absolute beginner to be able to follow along. Better for someone who has taken a class or two in this style of painting.

[Dee]

I am going all Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on y'all with this new book... I'm going to learn to watercolor with Chinese bamboo brushes. Watch out. :)

--- In June of 2012, I started taking the classes with Nan Rae. What a treat. On August 18, I displayed my paintings in a group show. Nan Rae is the best. Sign up for her classes at www.nanrae.com

[Debra Lowman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just not my thing. I couldn't relate to her technique of painting although I would love to learn this technique as art. I didn't feel like I could follow the tutorials. Maybe my level as a beginner is too low, or maybe I just didn't get it.