The plan progresses from basic techniques and concepts to more advanced skills, with each session building on the previous one. We will adapt based on each student's progress and development. Session 1: Introduction to Chinese Painting Objective: Introduce students to the history, philosophy, and tools of Chinese painting. Topics: • Brief history of Chinese painting and its different styles (landscape, birds, flowers). • The Four Treasures of the Study: Brush, Ink, Paper, and Inkstone. • Basic brush-handling techniques. • Basic strokes: Dot, horizontal, vertical, hook, and slant. • Practice exercises: Simple strokes and lines. Activity: Students practice basic brushstrokes on rice paper. Session 2: Basic Brush Techniques and Control Objective: Deepen understanding of brushstrokes and their variations. Topics: • Dry and wet brush techniques. • Controlling ink intensity (dark, medium, and light). • Pressure and speed control in stroke work. • Basic practice: Strokes in different intensities and sizes. • Understanding positive and negative space. Activity: Create a simple practice painting, focusing on controlled brushwork (e.g., bamboo leaves). Session 3: Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy Objective: Explore the relationship between Chinese calligraphy and painting. Topics: • Basic Chinese characters and their connection to brush painting. • Calligraphy strokes: Horizontal, vertical, dot, and hook. • The importance of rhythm, flow, and balance. Activity: Practice writing simple Chinese characters, focusing on brushstroke control and spacing. Session 4: Introduction to Chinese Ink Wash (Shui-mo) Objective: Teach the foundational concept of ink wash (monochrome technique). Topics: • The use of water to create different shades of ink. • Wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques. • Creating depth and atmosphere with ink gradation. • Blending and shading techniques using ink washes. Activity: Students practice simple ink wash landscapes (e.g., mountains, rivers). Session 5: Painting Bamboo Objective: Begin practicing traditional subject matter: Bamboo. Topics: • The symbolism of bamboo in Chinese painting (strength, flexibility). • The structure of bamboo: Segments, leaves, and branches. • Brushstroke techniques for bamboo stalks and leaves. • How to layer ink for depth and dimension. Activity: Students create a bamboo painting using learned techniques (different shades, depth). Session 6: Painting Orchids Objective: Explore the painting of orchids, another traditional subject. Topics: • The significance of orchids in Chinese art (grace, beauty). • Learning the free-flowing stroke style for orchid leaves and flowers. • Emphasis on balance and negative space. • Use of light and dark ink for contrast and dimension. Activity: Complete a simple orchid painting focusing on stroke movement and flow. Session 7: Painting Plum Blossoms Objective: Learn the techniques for painting plum blossoms, a classical subject. Topics: • Symbolism of the plum blossom (resilience, renewal). • How to paint branches using controlled brushstrokes. • Techniques for painting blossoms with different shades of ink and color. • Composition tips: Balancing branches and flowers. Activity: Create a plum blossom painting focusing on dynamic composition and layering techniques. Session 8: Painting Chrysanthemums Objective: Master the technique of painting chrysanthemums, completing the Four Gentlemen (bamboo, orchid, plum blossom, and chrysanthemum). Topics: • The symbolism of chrysanthemums (longevity, strength). • Layered brushstrokes for petals and leaves. • Creating depth by adjusting ink concentration. • Focus on adding details and fine lines. Activity: Paint chrysanthemums using wet and dry brush techniques for petals and leaves. Session 9: Introduction to Color in Chinese Painting Objective: Understand the application of color in Chinese painting (Gongbi style). Topics: • Introduction to traditional Chinese pigments. • Mixing and applying colors subtly on rice paper. • Techniques for layering color over ink lines. • Harmonizing color with the natural flow of the painting. Activity: Add colors to a flower or landscape painting, focusing on light, subtle color washes. Session 10: Landscapes and Mountains (Shan Shui) Objective: Learn to create Chinese landscape (mountain-water) paintings. Topics: • Composition and layout of a typical Chinese landscape. • Techniques for painting mountains, water, trees, and mist. • Creating depth and atmosphere with layered ink washes. • Use of perspective in traditional landscape paintings. Activity: Students complete a simple mountain-and-river landscape using varying ink tones and techniques. Session 11: Birds in Chinese Painting Objective: Explore techniques for painting birds, a common subject in Chinese art. Topics: • Basic bird anatomy and posture. • Brush techniques for capturing feathers and the delicate details of birds. • Integrating birds into other compositions (bamboo, flowers, or landscapes). • Use of color in bird painting. Activity: Students create a bird-and-flower painting (e.g., sparrow with plum blossoms). Session 12: Final Project and Review Objective: Create a final piece incorporating all the techniques learned. Topics: • Review of brush techniques, ink control, and composition. • Combining subjects (bamboo, flowers, birds, landscape) into a cohesive painting. • Focus on personal style and creative expression. • Final touch-ups and mounting techniques for rice paper. Activity: Students work on a final project, applying the techniques learned across the 12 sessions. Workshop Recap and Closing Review: Provide personalized feedback on each student's progress. Discussion: Brief discussion on how to continue practicing and advancing their skills in Chinese painting. This structure balances traditional technique learning with creative practice. It allows students to build confidence with different subjects while exploring both technical and expressive elements of Chinese painting. Link: • Workshop: Chinese Floral Ink Painting on Rice Paper • Advance Chinese Painting Workshop