1045 CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING: REVISITING THE ‘FOUR GENTLEMEN’

Jane Dwight, teacher

In Chinese brush painting the ‘four gentlemen’ are the bamboo, chrysanthemum, orchid and plum blossom. Each has its own unique symbolism, history and basic set of strokes. Once all four plants have been painted, discussed and studied, participants will have a set of techniques to work with. These traditional techniques can be used in a great variety of other subjects, including landscape, flora and fauna. By the end of this course participants will be using the strokes they have learnt to paint South African plants and flowers in the Chinese brush painting style.

Please note that the course fee includes all materials.

LECTURE TITLES

1. Introduction and bamboo

2. Chrysanthemum

3. Orchid

4. Plum blossom

5. South African flowers and plants

Recommended reading

Dwight, J. 2007. Chinese Brush Painting Source Book. Apple Press.

Sze, Mai-mai. 1978. The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting. Princeton: Princeton University Press.