Oriental Brush Painting For 2 - Bring A Friend
Description
Spend a morning or afternoon painting mindfully using Chinese brushes, ink and watercolours. The theme might change depending on the season: plum blossom (winter), orchids (spring), bamboo (summer) and chrysanthemum (autumn). Other theme options might be available depending on skill level and season. This is a taster session for 2 people. Pay once and share the cost. Bring a friend or a family member! Books on Oriental brush painting date its origins to the Warring States Period or Eastern Zhou 475 - 221 BCE in China. Since then the techniques have been passed on to many countries in the Far East. Japan has given it the name "Sumi-e" and Japanese artists embrace the purity of black ink on white paper. You will be learning the looser expressive techniques known as “xiěyì” in China. It's more important to capture the spirit or essence of something rather than aim for an exact likeness. I will explain what materials you need, how to hold the brush and how to perform the brush strokes. I will also provide an overview of Chinese brush painting from its origins to the present day. I went to China in 2019 and spent time with a Chinese brush artist at her home in Anhui province. I have been practising ever since; the techniques I learnt with her I will share with you. In addition to painting, why not take a break and enjoy some direct-sourced loose leaf Chinese tea that I will serve in a relaxed ceremonial style? We have a beautiful terraced garden with uninterrupted views over the valley opposite. Relaxed Chinese instrumental music and incense add to the experience of your painting session but are not compulsory!
What's included in the price?
All materials and tuition. A Chinese Tea Ceremony (relaxed). Drinks and biscuits supplied by local Dorset companies: - Chinese tea from Wan Ling Tea House in Blandford - Coffee from Reads in Sherborne - Biscuits from Moores in Bridport A quiet rural studio to work in. A warm welcome and inclusive teaching ethos.
Duration
3 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
I have been teaching 2-day printmaking masterclasses in my home studio since 2014 and I reached GOLD level on craftcourses.com with 5-star reviews. I took a break from teaching in 2023 but here I am again under a different name. This time I am focusing on providing shorter half-day workshops (not just printmaking) that are more affordable and fun. My studio is comfortable for two plus me, and because of this I can offer a cosier, bespoke creative experience. I am located in a picturesque village location in Dorset and I bake a very good Dorset apple cake.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Christmas
- UK Holiday
- Easter
- Parking provided
- Overseas Holiday
- Father's Day
- Tutor can travel
- Mother's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- Romantic
- Pet lovers
- Intermediate level
FAQs
I am a qualified secondary school teacher (modern foreign languages) that now prefers an artistic life. I retain my passion for languages and began studying Mandarin Chinese in 2013. In 2015 I spent a month in Beijing at a Chinese language school, which gave me the opportunity to absorb elements of Chinese culture and art too!
In 2017 I went on a two-week tea sourcing trip with a Dorset-based tea merchant and we toured tea gardens in several provinces. On one visit to a larger tea factory in Anhui province I met a Chinese artist over lunch, and she offered to teach me her skills at her home. Two years later, after much correspondence, I took the plunge and travelled to Shanghai then onwards by train to her home town, Wuhu.
Over five extremely intensive days at Teacher Wang's home she put me through my paces, which gave me the fundamental knowledge I needed to equip myself with brushes, ink and paper (in a Shanghai art store) and practise at home.
What I teach now is a combination of what Teacher Wang taught me combined with knowledge I have since gained from reading books and watching YouTube videos. This is a style of painting that keeps on giving and we are all on our own learning journey!
I know how to teach and I am happy to share.
If you provide details of your dietary needs, I will ensure I provide biscuits and snacks that are safe for you to eat.
I cannot guarantee they will be from a Dorset supplier, as detailed in the workshop description. Please feel free to bring along your own tea bags if you prefer decaffeinated, but I always have a good supply of Yogi herbal teas. I will not be offended if you prefer to bring your own biscuits/snacks for peace of mind, particularly if you have a nut allergy or are coeliac.
I believe anyone can paint!
I will break down the steps and support you all way, but it's important to acknowledge that painting takes practise and it's the journey not the end result that matters!
If you've painted in watercolour before, you might find it easier than some. However, the way we hold the brush and the type of paper we paint onto are very different, so even the most experienced watercolour artist may find they are starting from scratch with Oriental brush painting!
Just bring yourselves and wear comfortable clothes that allow free arm movements.
Avoid long sleeves that may dangle into the ink.
I live in a pretty village near Blandford Forum in Dorset. My home has a stunning view over fields to the woods on the horizon.
The studio is a dedicated space in my home where we can create in peace.
