Chinese Watercolour Painting

       Chinese Watercolour painting was a very popular type of art that was done in China thousands of years ago. There are multiple categories of paintings that were done. One category is Flower and Bird painting. This used many bright colours and different kinds of lines. Paintings of orchids, blossoms with birds and bamboo fall under this category. Below is an example of a piece of art done in Flower and Bird style.

        This painting was probably done on a thicker piece of paper, due to the need of absorbing the water and colour from the strokes. Usually the paper was made of bark and pulp or rice. The strokes used and the colours that are used are supposed to enhance the characteristics of the object being drawn. This painting has a simple and clear background, making the art look not too crowded. Having negative space was/is just as important as the positive space. It also allows the viewer to follow the lines of the branch leading to the bird, the main subject. When Chinese watercolour paintings are done, the brush is held with three fingers. It is as if you are making the peace sign and adding our thumb. Lastly, the seal going down the side adds a touch of beauty. The artist puts a lot of thought into where they are going to sign their name and seal it with a fiery red colour. 

That is it for my first post in Year 2!