Chinese Brush Painting

Lesson 2: The Four Gentlemen - Orchid

Practise strokes Orchid Leaves Orchid petals, stamens & stems Frogs Art History Qi Baishi
1

Orchid Leaves Practise these leaves with black ink using the pressure release technique

Tip: Make the leaves elegant and full of grace with a contrast of thick and thin lines
2

Orchid Petals, Stamens and Stems Practise the petals, stamens and stems.

Use pale ink for the stems

1.Paint 2 lines going down, one smaller than the other with medium ink

2.Add 3 petals

3.Add 3 stamen dots

Different positions of the petals add interest

Frogs

Start with 5 downward strokes

Add the details of the eye and under belly. Legs and arms are done with bone strokes. Hands and toes are done with dots and lines.

Frogs can add interest to a painting, standing or leaping in the air. Vary the tones of ink. Try loading the brush with yellow ochre and green and add colour to a composition.

Chinese Art History Qi Baishi (1864-1957)